Manufactured 1876-1881, this Sharps Model 1874 shows all the spirit of the American west and many of the features normally associated with the "buffalo rifles" used by the commercial hunters of the period. This example shows all the utilitarian character of the rifles such hunters preferred to get the job done. The top flat of the heavy weight barrel has the "Old Reliable" marking, single line Sharps Bridgeport address, and the caliber marking at the breech. The bottom of the barrel has "7" and "4/16" and the matching serial number. The side of the barrel is marked "2/10" and the top is marked "45". The serial number is marked on the upper tang, which is also drilled and tapped for a peep sight. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and a folding ladder rear sight, as well as double set triggers (rear trigger mostly broken off). It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a checkered shotgun buttplate.

Very good, showing similar grit and resolves to the man who likely carried it on the frontier, retaining traces of the original blue finish and otherwise mostly a dark brown patina and a few patches of dark grey patina. The wood is good, showing the typical signs of a working gun put through the rigors of commercial hunting in the late 19th century, a few minor cracks, some slivers absent from the forearm, a large chip at the frame juncture, and scattered minor dings and scratches. Apart from the broken rear set trigger, mechanically excellent. A Sharps "buffalo rifle" that truly tells the stories of its former life.