These Sharps Model 1874 Business Rifles were incredibly popular in the American west, especially among professional hunters in the bison industry, who valued them for their power and accuracy. Those same traits however, along with their inherent reliability, endeared them to settlers, lawmen, Native Americans, outlaws, and gold prospectors as well. Though they couldn't provide the extended fire power of the contemporary Winchester repeaters, their simplicity and trusted design kept them a popular and "Old Reliable" option well into the repeating era. The top of the barrel on this example has the Old Reliable marking followed by the Bridgeport address, both in front of the rear sight. The breech is marked "CALIBRE 40" on top, "BUSINESS .40" on the left, and "2 1/4" on the right. Matching numbers are on the bottom of the barrel and top rear of the receiver. It is fitted with a copper blade front sight, Lawrence patent folding ladder rear sight, and double set triggers. It is mounted with a smooth forearm marked with three punch dots on the bottom near the receiver and straight grip stock.

Very good, retains traces of the original blue finish and case colors in sheltered areas with the balance mostly a well-maintained bright grey patina, typical of a western hunting rifle that was worked hard but cared for. The wood is also very good with mild wear in handling areas from repeated use and the scattered minor handling marks of a frontier rifle. Mechanically excellent.