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Exceptional Sharps Model 1874 Military Rifle with Rare Bridgeport Marked Barrel

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Exceptional Sharps Model 1874 Military Rifle with Rare Bridgeport Marked Barrel
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Estimate: $7500 - 12000
Sharps Model 1874 Military Rifle from an order of five rifles shipped to the Union Metallic Cartridge Company (UMC). The rifle barrel is roll-stamped with the Sharps' "OLD RELIABLE" trademark in front of the barrel band followed by: "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT CONN.". Only 441 of the 1.769 Sharps Model 1874 Military Rifles were marked with the Bridgeport address. The rifle has a blued barrel and casehardened barrel bands, receiver and buttplate. The stock and forearm are oil-finished walnut. The rifle has a brazed lug front sight and Lawrence patent folding rear sight. The 30", 40-caliber barrel is attached by three barrel bands and is marked "CALIBER 40" between the rear sight and the receiver. The left side of the receiver is marked: "SHARPS RIFLE CO/PAT. APR 6 1869" in two lines. The serial number, "156153" is located on the upper receiver tang. This rifle has the consecutive serial number to Model 1874 Military Rifle serial number "156154" in this auction which was also shipped to UMC. An aluminum collection tag numbered "137" is attached to the underside of the stock behind the sling swivel. This rifle was apparently in the famous Remington/UMC firearms collection. The accompanying copy of the Sharps ledger shows that serial number "156153" was a Military rifle (Mili), 40/70 (possible mis-print as serial # 156154 is listed as 44/70) caliber, and shipped to U.M.C. on July 22, 1876.
BBL: 30 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 40 Sharps
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 156153
Condition: Excellent plus. The rifle retains 98% plus of the original blue and casehardened finish. The barrel retains 99% of the military blue finish. The markings are deep and crisp. The front sight has most of the niter blue finish. The bore is mint. The forearm tip, barrel bands, receiver and buttplate have 98-99% of the original casehardened finish, with strong case colors. The receiver patent marking and serial number are crisp. The screws have 90% or more of the fiery niter blue finish. The stock and forearm are both also in excellent plus condition with unhandled feathered grain and nearly all of the oil finish. Wear is limited to several minor storage and handling marks. This is an exceptional example of a Sharps Model 1874 Military Rifle with Bridgeport marked barrel.