For Sale: Sharps Model 1874 Military Rifle “Old Model 1874 Military Rifle”

Presented here is a Sharps Model 1874 Military Rifle that falls into the “Old Model 1874 Military Rifle” collector’s classification. In the final years of Sharps Rifle Company manufacturing, the company dipped into its inventory of unused percussion receivers (New Model 1859 through New Model 1863) leftover from wartime production.  From these parts, they assembled new firearms known as “Old Model” arms.  Manufactured ca. 1880, the firearms are not considered conversions and while they fall into the serial number range of the Model 1874 Military Rifle, can be generally grouped within the 157000-159000 serial span.

Sharps modified the older lock plates to resemble the newer Model 1874 lock plate in appearance. As most of these receivers are thought to have been unfinished (in the white) when pulled from inventory, the lock plates largely do not carry the early addresses or patent markings nor do they have the pellet priming system (although they are milled for the system). Lock plates found on these arms are ground down leaving a small prominence behind the hammer so as to resemble the Model 1874 lock plate. The visible remnants of the priming system milling, original 3/8-thickness, and the perpendicular positioning of the SN forward of the upper tang are the most readily identifiable characteristics differentiating the Sharps Old Model 1874 Military Rifle from Sharps Model 1874 Military Rifles and converted percussion arms (this latter group also commonly retains their original SN and patent/model markings).

The Sharps Old Model Military Rifle here is chambered in .45 caliber with a 2-7/8-inch case length and 110 powder charge. The barrel is the correct 30-inch round military barrel held with three barrel bands. The front sight is the less common dovetailed German silver knife blade (blade now missing), and the rear sight, replaced by an unknown gunsmith, is dovetailed forward of the original’s location with the original groove in the barrel filled. The lever safety catch is the correct Model 1874 Military variation, as are the two sling swivels and hammer. Modifications, as described above, are found on the receiver, which is also unmarked, save for the perpendicularly stamped serial number. The breech has the gas check installed. Patch box is correct for the Old Model 1874 Rifle.

Barrel markings include the Bridgeport address ‘SHARPS RILFE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN.’ with the state abbreviation falling under the rear barrel band. The plain, unbracketed ‘Old Reliable’ in script is found forward of the address marking. Forward of the breech, on top of the barrel, is the ‘CAL. 45’ caliber marking and on the right side of the barrel, in the same position as the caliber, is the power charge marking of ‘110’ stamped upside down on the flat so as to read correctly to the right-handed shooter. The barrel bands are stubborn, and we elected not to force the issue and have not verified the barrel SN, but assume that, based on overall condition, the barrel matches the receiver. A ‘45’ is marked on the extractor, near the lever hinge pin hole, perpendicular in orientation to the ‘9090’ last four SN digits that match the tang.

This rifle has an aged patina with pitting consistently present throughout the metal surfaces. The bore is mostly semi-bright with visibly worn rifling and pitting towards the breech. Heavy handling marks adorn the walnut stock, no cracks are present. Overall, this is a decent example of a relatively hard to find caliber, late Sharps production military style rifle.

See pictures for overall condition. Antique. Check with a local FFL dealer to confirm your state laws governing ownership of antique firearms before purchasing this item.