3079

Fine Sharps Model 1874 Single Shot Sporting Rifle with Factory Letter

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:6,000.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 19,000.00 USD
Fine Sharps Model 1874 Single Shot Sporting Rifle with Factory Letter
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: $15000 - 19000
This is a nice example of a Sharps Model 1874 Sporting rifle manufactured circa 1871 to 1881. The top barrel flat is marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO. HARTFORD, CONN." ahead of the rear sight and "CALIBRE 44" at the breech, (2 5/8" straight case cartridge). The bottom of the barrel is marked with the matching serial number, "154815". (the forearm also carries the number "154815") The left side of the frame is marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO. / PAT APR 6 1869" and the matching serial number is marked on the upper tang and bottom barrel flat under the forearm. The barrel is equipped with a globe front and ladder adjustable Lawrence marked rear sights and the mid range tang sight is marked "NEW MODEL 1859", (more than likely a period or dealer addition). The assembly number "236" is marked on the bottom, left side of the frame. Blue barrel with casehardened remaining parts and mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a pewter forend cap and crescent buttplate. The accompanying factory letter states that serial number "154815" was listed as a Octagon Sporting Rifle, later termed the Model 1874 Sporting rifle, shipped as 1 of 3 to Schuyler, Hartley & Gramham, New York on July 16, 1875. The caliber is listed as 44 (possibly using a 2 5/8" case), 30" octagon barrel, single trigger, globe and peep sights, and oil finished stocks.
BBL: 30 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44 Sharps 2 5/8
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 154815
Condition: Very fine. The barrel retains 95% original blue finish with even thinning, showing areas of smooth plum, high edge wear and some light spotting. The lock, hammer and frame show 40% original case colors with a smooth dark patina on the balance. The lever has a smooth mottled gray patina and the buttplate shows 25% faded original case colors mixed with smooth dark and silver gray patina. There is some minor pitting on the heel. The wood is very good retaining most of the original varnish, a moderate pressure dent about 2" back of the front of the comb and overall scattered minor dings, dents and scratches. The tang serial number is partially obscured by the holes drilled for the tang sight, otherwise the markings are clear. Mechanically excellent.