This attractive Sharps Model 1874 sporting rifle features a German silver blade front sight, unmarked folding ladder rear sight, pewter forend cap, deluxe walnut forend and stock, attractive brass plate repairs at the wrist with a brass buttplate, the Hartford address marked on top of the barrel ahead of the rear sight, "J.P. LOWER" retailer marking and "CALIBRE 40" on top of the breech end of the barrel, and "2 1/4" marked upside down on the right of the breech. John P. Lower (1833-1917) of Denver, Colorado was a talented gunsmith and marksman, and was one of Sharps' main dealers in the West. He reportedly counted Buffalo Bill Cody, Kit Carson, George and Tom Custer and many others among his customers as well as various lesser known buffalo hunters, frontiersmen, Native Americans, and more. Sharps manufactured approximately 6,400 Model 1874 Sporting rifles between 1871-1880. They were popular with market hunters in the West and were well known for their ability to take down bison at long ranges. They were also popular with long range target shooters and were used in both capacities well after the Sharps Rifle Company closed in 1881 due to increased competition from Winchester's famous lever action and single shot rifles. Many Sharps rifles were manufactured in some of the most powerful black powder cartridges ever made. The use of double set triggers and a set of cross sticks made them incredibly accurate. The frame has the 1869 patent date on the left side, and the upper tang has the serial number. The forearm and barrel are matching serial numbered to the gun.

Fine with just the right amount of Western charm, retaining 60% original blue finish on the barrel with a few areas thinned to a smooth brown patina, and silvery gray patina on the action with strong traces of case colors on either side, vivid case colors visible on the protected areas of the breech block, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. The stock is also fine, displaying captivating grains in the deluxe walnut, some scattered light pressure dents and scratches, a few small chips at the toe, with attractive, expertly done, period brass stock repair plates on either side of the wrist of the kind that only add character to a Western gun such as this. The brass stock repair plates and brass buttplate exhibit bright and golden aged patinas, and the pewter forend cap is bright. Mechanically excellent. This desirable J.P. Lower marked Sharps Model 1874 sporting rifle, with frontier character, would make a great conversation piece in any Western firearms collection!