The Sharps Model 1874 was considered one of the best firearms of the late 19th century American West and was famously used by professional buffalo hunters, pioneers, and guides. This is one of an estimated 3,881 Sharps Model 1874 Sporting rifles made with an octagon barrel at the Bridgeport plant. Features a dovetailed blade front sight, a dovetail mounted J.P. Lower style Buckhorn folding ladder rear sight known to have been fitted on many Sharps sporting rifles shipped west in 1877 and later, the "Old Reliable" and Bridgeport address markings on the top barrel flat and "CALIBRE 40" on top at the breech, "70" upside down on the right barrel flat, matching serial number "157091" marked on the bottom of the barrel, special order double set triggers, checkered forend, and checkered pistol grip buttstock with a curved buttplate.

Good and glowing with frontier character, exhibiting smooth mottled brown patina on the barrel with traces of original blue finish, a mix of mottled brown and silvery patina on the frame with traces of original case colors on the left side and on the hammer, and mostly visible markings in the metal. Wood is also good with scattered scratches and dents, slightly worn checkering on the bottom of the forend from period western use, defined checkering around the pistol grip, and a hairline crack on the left tip of the forend and behind the upper tang. Mechanically excellent.