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Desirable Sharps Bridgeport Model 1874 No. 3 Mid-Range Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:6,500.00 - 11,000.00 USD
Desirable Sharps Bridgeport Model 1874 No. 3 Mid-Range Rifle
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Estimate: $6500 - 11000
Sharps Model 1874 Mid-Range Rifle manufactured in Bridgeport, Connecticut, circa 1876. The rifle has the No. 3 Mid-Range Rifle features that include: (1) 30" octagon barrel, (2) straight walnut stock with un-checkered wrist and steel shotgun buttplate, (3) un-checkered walnut forearm with "schnabel" tip, (4) globe front sight and (5) sporting peep tang sight. The chart on page 230 of "SHARPS FIREARMS" by Frank Sellers indicates that only four Bridgeport No. 3 Model 1874 Mid-Range Rifles were manufactured between January 1876 and December 1877. In addition to the standard No. 3 Mid-Range Rifle features, the barrel is fitted with a Lawrence, "high notch" folding leaf rear sight, a single trigger with smooth face and die-checkered, iron buttplate. The barrel and buttplate are blued, the receiver, lock plate, hammer and lever have a color casehardened finish and the stock and forearm are varnished. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the "OLD RELIABLE" trademark followed by "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT CONN." in a single line. "CALIBRE 40" is stamped on the top of the barrel just ahead of the receiver. "MID RANGE" and "50" are stamped on the right barrel flat above the forearm; the markings are reversed and face the bottom of the barrel. The left side of the receiver is stamped: "SHARPS RIFLE CO/PAT APR 6 1869" in two lines. The serial number "157881" is stamped at the junction of the tang and receiver perpendicular to the direction of the bore. A copy of the Sharps ledger page shows serial number "157881", as a Mid Range #3 (MR#3) shipped on May 16, 1877 to what appears to be "W.R.A." and an added entry of "JULY 78 30 Chas. O. Bin? So. Gardner Ms. 40/50".
BBL: 30 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 40-70 Sharps
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 157881
Condition: Excellent. The rifle retains 97% of the original blue and 75% casehardened finish. The blue finish on the barrel shows almost no wear. The barrel markings are crisp. The receiver, breechblock, hammer, lever and lock plate have more than 95% of the original casehardened finish; the case colors are very strong. The buttplate has a silver-gray patina. The stock and forearm are both in excellent condition and have 95% or more of the original varnish finish and show almost no handling wear. This is an excellent example of a rare Sharps Bridgeport Model 1874 No. 3 Mid-Range Rifle.