Sharps Rifle CO. 1874 27” 45 21/10 Black Powder Single Shot Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,075.00
LSB#: LSB250521RR029
Make: Sharps Rifle CO.
Model: 1874
Serial Number: 161101
Year of Manufacture: Between August 1875 and April 1876 (Sharps Firearms – Frank Sellers)
Caliber: 45 21/10, 45-70 black powder.
Action Type: Single Shot, Lever Operated, Falling Block Action, with double set adjustable Triggers.
Markings: The top of the barrel at the front of the forend is marked “Old Reliable”. The top of the chamber is marked “BUSINESS 45” and “21/10”. The receiver is marked “SHARPS RIFLE CO PAT. APR 6 1969”’ and “161101”. There is a tiny patent number on the front sight.
Barrel Length: This rifle has been re-barreled with a C. Sharps Arms 27” Round Barrel. When they did the re-barrel they profiled the new barrel to keep the old barrel’s markings. This rifle weighs approximately 10lbs 8OZ.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a windage adjustable globe sight including an L type circle post and simple post sights dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The tang currently has a “sporting” tang sight mounted to it.
Stock Configuration & Condition: the furniture set includes a round profile forend and a straight hand straight comb stock with metal buttplate. The wood shows scattered lines and compressions with some minor nicks. There is a small chip in the nose of the forend and the toe of the butt but that have both been finished over. The buttplate has turned brown with age and shows minor wear marks. Overall the wood is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Colored.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. The barrel shows minor scattered hairlines and finish thinning on the edges of the muzzle. The receiver has turned brown with age and patina and shows minor marks and pitting from age. The action functions correctly and the set trigger is very light with a crisp break. The hammer spring is strong. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. This rifle is in overall Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action and set triggers function correctly. 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: None.
Our Assessment: This Sharps Rifle Co. 1874 began life between August 1875 and April 1876, during the height of Sharps’ production of their legendary single-shot rifles. Chambered in .45 21/10” Black powder cartridge (commonly known as .45-70 Government), it was later re-barreled by C. Sharps Arms with a 27” round profile “Old Reliable” barrel. In a nod to preserving its historical character, part of the original barrel was retained as a shroud and mounting point, allowing the original markings “BUSINESS 45” and “21/10” to remain intact. This combination provides both the authenticity of the original rifle and the enhanced shooting capability of a modern, high-quality barrel.
The rifle is outfitted with a windage-adjustable globe front sight, including an L-type circle post and a simple post insert, paired with a “sporting” tang sight at the rear for precise elevation adjustments. These features reflect its practical intent for hunting or target work while maintaining period-appropriate aesthetics. The Sharps 1874 design, renowned for its accuracy and power with black powder cartridges, earned fame on the buffalo ranges and in the hands of marksmen of the American West. This example, blending original 19th-century craftsmanship with a sympathetic modern upgrade, stands as both a shooter and a piece of living history. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
