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, ladder rear sight, the "Old Reliable" and Bridgeport address markings on the top barrel flat and "CAL. 45" on top at the breech, "70" upside down on the right barrel flat, matching serial number "159155" marked on the bottom of the barrel, "9155" stamped inside the forearm channel, and smooth walnut stock fitted with a checkered steel buttplate. Factory front tang sight filler screw absent on top of the receiver.

Good as frontier issued, exhibiting strong traces of thinning original blue finish on the barrel underneath a coat of old dried grease, a silvery patina on the frame with faint traces of original case colors on the lock, and clear markings in the metal. Wood is fair with scattered scratches and dents from period use, and some chips and absent sections on the front edges of the forend. The buttplate tang and stock comb have been slightly filed with edges forming a point on the buttplate. Mechanically excellent.