3087

Desirable Sharps Model 1874 Single Shot Sporting Rifle with Texas Markings

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:9,500.00 - 16,000.00 USD
Desirable Sharps Model 1874 Single Shot Sporting Rifle with Texas Markings
Catalog Special for iCollector Customers!

Order our two volume set with 6,000 color photos.
This is a great reference. You will also be mailed a copy of the prices realized after the auction.
Call or visit our website to order!
Enter the code: 15CAT
$15 - FREE SHIPPING (Regular Price $60.)
While Supplies Last

Estimate: $9500 - 16000
This is a Classic Sharps Model 1874 Buffalo Rifle. Dovetailed brass blade front sight and a Lawrence 'high notch' rear sight, properly without graduations on the leaf, on the heavy full octagon barrel which is hand stamped "G.W. CASTEEL/ CLARKSVILL TEX" ahead of the standard post- April 1876 "Old Reliable" marking, "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN." and "CAL.45" on the top flat. The left side of the receiver is roll-stamped "SHARPS RIFLE CO/PAT APR 6 1869" in two lines, with the serial number stamped horizontally across the top rear and double-set triggers. Smooth straight wrist stock with a "Bridgeport" style Schnabel tip forearm and a checkered shotgun style buttplate. Preliminary research shows that the Casteel family lived near Clarksville, Texas in the 1870s. This is a classic example of the Sharps Model 1874, 45 caliber rifle associated with commercial buffalo hunters in Texas and Kansas during the 1870s. A copy of the Sharps ledger page shows serial number "162096" as a Sporting Rifle (Sptg) shipped to B.K & Co. on June 11, 1878.
BBL: 30 Inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 162096
Condition: Very good, with a smooth plum brown patina showing on the barrel, and a mixed brown patina on the receiver, showing mild wear along the high edges and scattered handling marks overall. A small amount of pitting is visible on the receiver and buttplate. Stock is very good, with a crack in the right side of the forearm and light scratches and pressure dents. Mechanically excellent. A rare example of a Sharps Model 1874 Sporting Rifle in the classic 'Buffalo Rifle' configuration with Texas markings.