Sharps Rifle Co. Model 1874 .45-70 28″ Falling Block Sporting Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $2798
LSB#: 210130GF14
Make: Sharps Rifle Co.
Model: 1874 Sporting Rifle
Serial Number: C53718
Year of Manufacture: 1874
Caliber: .45-70 Govt
Action Type: Single-Shot Breech-Loading Rifle with Double Set-Triggers
Markings: The top tang and the bottom of the barrel are each marked with the serial number. The left side of the barrel is marked “C. SHARPS PAT / SEPT 12th 1846(?)”.
Barrel Length: 28”
Sights / Optics: The front sight has broken off and only the dovetail base remains. The rear sight has been removed.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The forearm is missing from the stocks. The buttstock is smooth wood with a straight pistol grip, a straight comb, and a steel carbine-style buttplate. There are several scratches, nicks, gashes, and dings. There is a chip on the top left of the wrist. There are small cracks on the left and right sides of the buttstock and the wrist. The LOP measures approximately 12 3/4” and 13 1/2” from the fronts of the trigger to the end of the buttplate, respectively. The plate shows heavy erosion and a couple of dents in the face above the screw. The plate is pulling away from the wood at the toe. Overall, the buttstock rates in about Poor-Fair overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is gone. There is heavy erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish on the barrel has turned to a dark patina with oxidation throughout. There is erosion throughout the receiver but faint remnants of case coloring can be seen. There are scattered scratches and dings throughout. The screw heads range from lightly tool marked and serviceable to completely disfigured and eroded. The markings are partially faded and difficult to make out. Overall, this rifle rates in about Poor condition.
Mechanics: The action does not function correctly. The hammer and lever are missing. As mentioned before, the forearm is also missing, 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.
Assessment: Christian Sharps introduced one of America’s first and most successful breech-loading rifles with design starting in 1850 and improvements continuing into the 1870s and the metallic cartridge era. The 1874 rifle bridged the gap between muzzle-loading rifles and cartridge rifles. Please see our photos and good luck!