According to "Sharps Firearms" by Frank Sellers, Sharps only manufactured approximately 6,400 of these sporting rifles in a variety of configurations between 1871 to 1880. This example is fitted with double set triggers and a 30 inch, heavy, octagon barrel and is one of a reported 360, including both the Model 1869 and Model 1874 rifles, chambered for the desirable .40-90 caliber, making this example relatively scarce (according to page 83 of Roy Marcot's "Sharps Firearms" Volume II). Modified brass blade front sight and a modified fixed notch rear sight. The top barrel flat is marked "Old Reliable" ahead of the Bridgeport address, and the left barrel flat is marked "CAL.40" ahead of "2 5/8". The left side of the receiver is marked with the two-line Sharps 1869 patent date, and the matching serial number "155251" is marked on the upper tang and underside of the barrel. It is mounted with a smooth walnut forearm numbered to the gun and straight grip stock with a steel buttplate. This Sharps sporting rifle in .40-90 caliber likely saw its fair share of frontier use, and would have had plenty of stopping power for taking down buffalo on the plains.

Very good, showing plenty of frontier character, with traces of faded original blue finish on the barrel with smooth brown patina, and a charming mix of silvery gray and brown patinas on the casehardened frame and components with strong traces of attractive cloudy original case colors on the lock around the hammer. The wood is good with charming western wear and numerous scattered period handling marks and scars. Mechanically excellent. This scarce .40-90 chambered Sharps Model 1874 sporting rifle, with charming frontier character, exemplifies a trusty sidearm of an American plains hunter from the late 19th century.