3291

Excellent Sharps Model 1874 Number 1 Mid Range Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:9,000.00 USD Estimated At:22,500.00 - 35,000.00 USD
Excellent Sharps Model 1874 Number 1 Mid Range Rifle
This is an exceptional example of a Sharps Mid Range Model 1874 rifle. The top barrel flat ahead of the rear sight is marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN.", boxed "OLD RELIABLE" behind the rear sight and "CALIBRE 40", (40-70 was standard on this model), at the breech. The bottom flat under the forearm is marked with the matching serial number and two small plus signs. The barrel is equipped with a windage and spirit level globe front sight and folding leaf rear sight absent of graduation marks and marked "RS. LAWRENCE / PATENTED / FEB. 15TH 1859" on the base. A Vernier mid range peep sight is mounted on the tang with graduation markings on the left side 0 to 2 and the matching serial number marked on the left side of the base. The left side of the frame is marked "SHARPS RIFLE Co / PAT APR 6 1869" and the lock is absent of any markings. Checkered trigger, blue barrel with casehardened remaining parts, niter blue screw heads and mounted with a checkered forearm with Schnabel forend, pistol grip stock with checkering extending the bottom of the grip and crescent brass buttplate. These rifle were made in a limited number.
BBL: 28 inch part octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 40-70
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 156692
Condition: Excellent. The barrel retains 98% of the original blue finish with some thinning to plum and a few scattered minor dings and scratches. The receiver and lever retain 90% plus original case colors, brightest in protected areas and with some fading to gray on the lower tang. The wood is also excellent with some overall scattered minor dents and dings, with sharp checkering. The buttplate has a very pleasant, untouched aged patina. The markings remain crisp and clear. The action is excellent.