This is a fine example of a Sharps Model 1874 Sporting rifle manufactured circa 1871 to 1881. The top barrel flat is marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO. HARTFORD, CONN." ahead of the rear sight and "CALIBRE 44" at the breech (2 5/8 inch straight case cartridge). The left side of the frame is marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO./PAT APR 6 1869", and the matching serial number on the bottom of the barrel is marked on the upper tang and bottom barrel flat under the forearm. The barrel is equipped with a globe front and ladder adjustable Lawrence marked rear sights, and the mid range tang sight is marked "NEW MODEL 1859" (more than likely a period or dealer addition). The assembly number "236" is marked on the bottom, left side of the frame. Blue barrel with casehardened remaining parts and mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a pewter forend cap and crescent buttplate. The accompanying factory letter states that this rifle was listed as a Octagon Sporting Rifle, later termed the Model 1874 Sporting rifle, shipped as 1 of 3 to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, New York on July 16, 1875. The caliber is listed as 44 (possibly using a 2 5/8 inch case), 30 inch octagon barrel, single trigger, globe and peep sights, and oil finished stocks.

Fine. The barrel retains 75% plus original blue finish with even thinning, showing areas of smooth plum, high edge wear and some light spotting. The lock, hammer and frame show 30% original case colors with a smooth dark patina on the balance. The lever has a smooth mottled gray patina, and the buttplate shows 30% faded original case colors mixed with smooth dark and silver gray patina. There is some minor pitting on the heel. The wood is very fine retaining most of the original varnish, a moderate pressure dent about 2 inches back of the front of the comb and overall scattered minor dings and scratches. The tang serial number is partially obscured by the holes drilled for the tang sight; otherwise the markings are clear. Mechanically excellent.