September 15, 16, & 17, 2026 Firearms & Militaria
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
Lot #1380:
(A) BRIDGEPORT SHARPS MODEL 1874 OLD RELIABLE SPORTING RIFLE
Sharps moved their company from Hartford to Bridgeport in 1876 and it was the first year they stamped the "Old Reliable" legend on the barrel. This example has matching serial numbers on both the base of the octagon barrel and on the upper tang in a visible straight line above the Vernier Mid Range tang, which indicates it was shipped with a tang sight. Unstamped Lawrence style folding ladder rear barrel sight and globe front sight. The barrel is stamped "OLD RELIABLE" along with the Sharps Bridgeport legend. Breech is stamped "Calibre 40". Double set triggers, case colored frame, lever, hammer and side plate, brass rifle buttplate, smooth walnut stock with pistol grip and matching Schnabel tip forearm. In the book on Sharps 1874 rifles by Marcot, Paxton & Marron, on page 116, they picture gun number 162229 as invoiced to the New York Central Schuetzen Corp. On page 117, they picture number 162228, which is nearly identical in every feature with same style brass buttplate, barrel sight, and stock design. Another nearly identical rifle, number 162301, is pictured on page 118. CONDITION: Fine. Barrel retains about 70% of its fading blue with sharp legends and light high edge and handling wear. Case colors have faded. Stock is excellent with usual impressions. Double set trigger work. Bore is bold with light frosting.