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.