Sharps Model 1874 Business Rifle .45-70 Government Single Shot 1876 to 1880 Antique
Archival record: Specifications and condition reflect the firearm as listed at the time of auction.
Final Auction Price: $2,700.00
Few rifles are as closely associated with the American frontier as the Sharps single shot. This Model 1874 Business Rifle, chambered in .45-70 Government, represents a practical working variant of the famous Sharps design. Manufactured between 1876 and 1880 at the Bridgeport factory, it stands as a tangible piece of late 19th century American firearms history.
Identification
MMA#: 251224BE001
Make: Sharps Rifle Co.
Model: 1874 Business Rifle
Serial Number: 159929
Year of Manufacture: 1876 to 1880
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Lever actuated falling block single shot rifle with double set triggers
Barrel Length: 22 inches
The recessed crown has been re cut. The barrel is serial matched to the receiver under the forearm.
Sights
The front sight is a silver blade slotted in a base dovetailed to the barrel. The original rear barrel sight has been removed, leaving only the base in place.
The upper tang is fitted with a folding aperture sight adjustable for windage and elevation, a feature consistent with target and precision oriented use of the period.
Stock Configuration and Condition
The rifle wears two piece wood stocks with a splinter forend, straight grip and comb, and a steel carbine buttplate. The wood appears to have been refinished at some point in its life.
The stocks show scuffs, scratches, small gashes, draglines, and compression marks. Many of these imperfections lie beneath the finish, while others have removed portions of the current finish. There is a small chip at the toe and light material loss along the upper left edge of the forearm.
Length of pull measures approximately 13 inches and 13 7/8 inches from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows discoloration, surface erosion, and scattered wear.
Overall, the stock rates in Very Good condition as a refinished Antique.
Finish and Overall Condition
Type of Finish: Bright Steel
Finish Originality: Polished
The metal has been polished and no original finish remains. Surfaces show nicks, scuffs, scratches, discoloration from erosion, and areas of surface pitting. Screw heads show use, and markings range from deep to clearly defined.
Overall, the rifle rates in Good condition as an Antique.
Bore Condition
The bore is light gray with deep rifling. There is light erosion throughout and scattered patches of more prominent pitting. In the writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6 out of 10 as an Antique.
Mechanics
The action functions correctly. The lever exhibits slight looseness consistent with age and use. The rifle was not test fired. As with all antique firearms, careful inspection and appropriate maintenance are recommended prior to use.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories
None.
Our Assessment
Christian Sharps developed one of America’s earliest and most successful breech loading rifle designs beginning in 1850. The transition to metallic cartridges in the late 1860s and early 1870s led to the cartridge firing Sharps rifles that became synonymous with buffalo hunting, frontier life, and long range target shooting.
The so called Model 1874 was originally marked simply “New Model.” When the Model 1878 was introduced, the earlier design was retroactively referred to as the 1874. The Business Rifle variant was intended as a more economical alternative to the higher grade Sporting Rifle, offering practical features without elaborate embellishment. Only 1,604 Business Rifles were produced at the Bridgeport factory, making this configuration less common than many other Sharps models.
This example retains a serial matched barrel and functional double set triggers. While refinished and showing honest age related wear, it remains a representative piece of late 19th century American firearms manufacture. Whether as a historical collection piece or a carefully evaluated shooter, this Sharps Business Rifle reflects an important chapter in American rifle development.
The Mt. McCoy Auctions Difference
At Mt. McCoy Auctions, every firearm is carefully documented and professionally photographed to create a detailed archival record. Our descriptions are written to provide collectors with clarity and confidence in evaluating historic arms.
