Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #87
  • Lot #3095
Lot #3094
Lot #3096

Lot 3095: Sharps Model 1874 Business Rifle in .45-70

Desirable Sharps Model 1874 Business Rifle in .45-70

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: December 11, 2022

Lot 3095: Sharps Model 1874 Business Rifle in .45-70

Desirable Sharps Model 1874 Business Rifle in .45-70

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: December 11, 2022

Estimated Price: $4,000 - $6,000
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Desirable Sharps Model 1874 Business Rifle in .45-70

Manufacturer: Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company
Model: 1874-Rifle
Type: Rifle
Gauge: 45-70 Government
Barrel: 28 inch round
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 1547
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 72
Class: Antique
Description:

Manufactured circa 1876-1880 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, this is one of approximately 900 Business models made in .45 caliber. The Sharps Model 1874 was among the most popular firearms on the American frontier in the late 19th century, 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. "BUSINESS 45" is marked on top of the breech and "2 1/2" on the right. Matching serial numbers are marked 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 walnut forearm and straight buttstock. Three small kill notches are carved in the front of the stock comb, possibly bison kills.

Rating Definition:

Very good and full of frontier character, retains 20% original blue finish on the barrel with smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, and the casehardened frame turned to a mix of attractive silvery gray and smooth brown patinas indicative of period use out West. Wood is also very good as lightly sanded and re-oiled, with some light dents and handling marks, a minor crack on the right rear of the forend, a patch of scratches on the left of the buttstock, and kill notches as mentioned above. Mechanically excellent.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #765: Ruger No. 1 Single Shot Rifle in .45-70 Government

    Lot #763: Ruger No. 1-S Single Shot Rifle in .45-70 with Box

    Lot #1139: Special Weapons SW45X Semi-Automatic Rifle

    Lot #395: Browning Grade I Model 1886 Lever Action Saddle Ring Rifle

    Lot #826: Winchester Model 70 Westerner Bolt Action Rifle

    Lot #129: Smith & Wesson .45 Hand Ejector Model of 1950 Target in .45 Colt