Shiloh Sharps MOD. 1874 Hartford Custom 26” 45-70 W/ Marbles Tang Sight
SOLD FOR: $2,352.00
WOA: WY240516ML012
Make: Shiloh Rifle Mfg. CO.
Model: Sharps Model 1874 Hartford Custom
Serial Number: B1918
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: 45-70
Action Type: Single Shot Breech Loading, Falling Block, with set triggers.
Markings: The tang is marked “B1918”.The top of the barrel is marked “Shiloh-Sharps Model 1874” and “CALIBRE 45 / 2 1/10”. The left side of the receiver is marked “SHILOH RIFLE MFG. CO. BIG TIMBER, MONTANA.”
Barrel Length: 26” Standard weight 55/45 Round/Octagon barrel.
Sights / Optics: This rifle is mounted with a simple blade front sight dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a flip up Ladder style with markings from 2-8, while the sight is folded down the sight is a small notch buckhorn sight dovetailed and screw set to the barrel. This rifle has a Marble’s tang sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is a two piece smooth walnut. The buttstock is a straight hand, with long lower tang, straight comb with cheek piece, and has a color case hardened checkered metal buttplate. The handguard features a traditional pewter tipped smooth forend. The LOP measures 13.75? from the front trigger to the back of the buttplate. The forend wood shows a few very small depressions. There are no chips or cracks. The stock also has a few small lines and a few minor depressions. The buttplate shows almost no wear. The Furniture rates in Excellent to Excellent + overall condition.
Type of Finish: The barrel, rear sight, and Marble’s sight are blued and the receiver, lever, tang, hammer and butt plate are color case hardened.
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion. This rifle appears to be unfired outside of factory testing. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its original finish. The bluing on the barrel has been worn away in places and has begun to patina and develop some surface rust spots. The receiver has also had some of the finish worn away and has begun to patina and develop some surface rust as well. Given that this rifle was manufactured sometime after 1983, and given the condition of the wood and the bore it is this writer’s opinion that this rifle was “aged” to give it a more authentic look. The screw heads are undamaged and sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: This rifle has double set triggers, which function correctly. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Shiloh Sharps Model 1874 Hartford Rifle in .45-70 is a classic example of American craftsmanship, offering both historical significance and modern performance. This rifle is a faithful reproduction of the iconic Sharps 1874 model, which gained fame in the late 19th century for its accuracy and power. The Hartford model includes the Hartford style pewter tip on the forend and the straight hand stock. The .45-70 Government cartridge is a classic choice, known for its versatility and power, capable of taking down large game and offering impressive long-range accuracy. This cartridge was widely used in the late 19th century and remains popular among enthusiasts of historical firearms and big-game hunters. One of the standout features of this rifle is its barrel. This particular model comes with a 26-inch octagon barrel that transitions to a round profile barrel at the end of the handguard. This barrel design is not just aesthetically pleasing but also provides a good strength to weight ratio. The 26” barrel length is a balanced blend of accuracy and maneuverability. The barrel length offers a good sight radius, enhancing precision in aiming. The rifle is equipped with traditional iron sights, which includes a blade front sight and a buckhorn with ladder-style rear sight. These sights are period-correct and offer a good balance between historical authenticity and practical use.This rifle is also equipped with a Marble’s tang sight which provides an additional aperture sight further increasing accuracy without the size and snag potential of a larger Vernier style sight. The Sharps Model 1874 incorporates a falling block action, known for its strength and reliability. Set triggers further enhance this rifle’s accuracy, providing a lighter and more consistent trigger pull that minimizes shooter-induced errors. Overall, the 1874 Hartford Rifle in .45-70 is a high quality reproduction of a legendary firearm. Whether used in competition, hunting, or simply as a piece of living history, this rifle exemplifies the enduring legacy of the Sharps design. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
