Sharps Rifle Model 1874 Sporting Rifle 44-90 Single Shot Antique
SOLD FOR: $5,175.00
LSB#: LSB260511VA002
Make: Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company
Model: 1874 Sporting
Serial Number: C53027
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1874
Caliber: 44-90 Sharps, 44 2 1/4″
Action Type: Single shot, falling block, centerfire rifle, with double set triggers.
Barrel Length: 30″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver beaded blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder style V notch dovetailed into the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and semi crescent iron buttplate. The LOP is 12 3/4″ and 13 3/4″ from triggers to buttplate. The stock has been refinished. The wrist appears to have broken and been repaired. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. Overall this stock is in Fair condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Hardened.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is defined. There is erosion on the rifling. There is corrosion and pitting scattered throughout. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains virtually none of its original finish. The metal has all worn to a brown patina with corrosion staining. There is scattered pitting throughout. There are nicks and dings along the barrel. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are faint but legible. Overall this rifle is in Fair condition as antique.
Mechanics: This action does not function. The hammer does not hold full or half cock. The set trigger does appear to be functional. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Leather scabbard. Factory serial number documentation. Bullet mold. Partial box of ammunition. *The ammunition ships separate from the gun.*
Our Assessment: The Sharps Model 1874 Sporting Rifle is one of the most legendary American single-shot rifles of the buffalo-hunting era, renowned for its exceptional strength, accuracy, and robust falling-block action. This early example is chambered in the powerful .44-90 Sharps (2 1/4″) cartridge and features a 30″ barrel, double-set triggers, straight-grip walnut stocks, and traditional sporting sights. Accompanied by factory serial number documentation, a period leather scabbard, a bullet mold, and a partial box of ammunition, it represents an attractive package centered on one of the most iconic rifles of the American frontier.
Introduced in 1874, the Sharps Sporting Rifle became synonymous with long-range target shooting and the great buffalo hunts of the American West. Chamberings such as the .44-90 Sharps were developed to provide the velocity, energy, and accuracy required for hunting large game at extended distances. Although the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company ceased operations in the early 1880s, the Model 1874 earned a lasting reputation among hunters, frontiersmen, and target shooters, and today remains one of the most sought-after American sporting rifles of the 19th century.
This rifle retains virtually none of its original finish, with the metal worn to an even brown patina showing scattered pitting, corrosion staining, and honest handling wear. The refinished walnut stocks rate in Fair condition due to a repaired wrist, scattered dents, and scratches, while the gray bore has defined rifling but moderate erosion and scattered pitting, earning a 5/10 rating. The set trigger functions, but the hammer will not hold at either full or half cock, rendering the rifle mechanically inoperative. Overall, this is a Fair antique Sharps Sporting Rifle with significant historical appeal, enhanced by its factory documentation and accompanying accessories. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF