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RARE SHARPS #3 LONG RANGE SINGLE SHOT TARGET RIFLE.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:6,250.00 USD Estimated At:12,500.00 - 17,500.00 USD
RARE SHARPS #3 LONG RANGE SINGLE SHOT TARGET RIFLE.
SN 158198. Cal. 45 2-6/10. Beautiful long range rifle with 32" medium weight oct to rnd bbl, Axtel spirit level, windgage globe front sight, no provision for a rear seat and long range vernier tang sight with 6" staff and matching numbered base. Top flat of bbl is marked with the "OLD RELIABLE" cartouche and Bridgeport address with caliber marking over the chamber area and case length on right side flat. Mounted with nicely figured straight grain American walnut with checkered semi-schnable 2-screw forearm and straight stock with nickel plated brass Swiss buttplate. According to Sharps Firearms, Sellers, only 62 of these rare rifles were produced in the period 1875-1879 in two different bbl lengths and a variety of calibers. Also according to the referenced publication, on p. 226, it appears that this rifle would have been made between Dec. 1876 and Aug. 1877 as that was the only time it was offered in this caliber & case length. Accompanied by a Sharps Factory records letter which identifies this rifle as a Model 1874 No. 3 long range, invoice at Bridgeport on Apr 23, 1877 to A.F. Mitchell, Saratoga, NY. Record lists as being cal 45 2.6" and weighs 9lbs 14oz. Bbl length is not recorded but 32" or 34" half oct would have been typical. PROVENANCE: Frank Sellers Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 97-98% strong orig blue with faint sharp edge wear and some minor spots of discoloration; receiver, lockplate, hammer & lever retain faded case colors, stronger on the lockplate and sheltered areas of the receiver; buttplate retains about 90% orig nickel. Stock has three plugged holes at the heel where is appears that a long range heel mount had been added and then removed; wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches; buttstock has a partial touch-up in the rear 1/3, otherwise retains most of its orig varnish; forearm shows moderate to heavy wear and retains about 50% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a couple of spots of light pitting. 4-47749 JR329