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H. Slotterbek Sharps 1874 .45-70 #C5100

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
H. Slotterbek Sharps 1874 .45-70 #C5100
Serial number "C,510X0" (X is an original number obliterated by a screw) marked on top of the tang underneath the peep sight. Henry Slotterbek was a gunmaker, specifically known for his work in Los Angeles, and he is listed in Larry Sheldons book on California Gunsmiths 1846-1900. He was known for crafting heavy octagon barrel Sharps action sporting/buffalo rifles, with a rifle marked "H. Slotterbeck, Los Angeles" being a notable example. Henry was killed in 1888 when he was at the range while standing in front of a rifle while adjusting the front sight. This is a Rare and Desirable Sharps Model 1874 Sporting Rifle. This rifle is marked "H. SLOTTERBEK LOS ANGELES/CAL." on top of the barrel flat behind the rear sight. Henry Slotterbek moved from Philadelphia to Los Angeles in 1869 and worked there until his death. As this rifle shows, he was a fine craftsman. Most of the Slotterbek guns were shipped to A. J. Plate of San Francisco since Slotterbek was there regularly to visit his brother Charles. The barrel, ramrod, ramrod pipes, sling swivels, blade front sight, and double set triggers were all made by Slotterbek. The 29 3/4" octagonal barrel is rifled with six grooves. The blade/white bead on the front sight is mounted in a dovetail base with a V notch rear sight fixed on the barrel and a tang mounted mid-range vernier peep sight. The forearm is 10" long including the fancy pewter tip. It is held in place by the standard screw at the rear that has decorative German silverescutcheonss on the sides, as well as a German silver shield inlay on the underside. The fancy checkered pistol grip stock has a raised Pennsylvania style cheekpiece on the left side with inlayed German silver plaque reading " Made by H. Slotterbek for Dr. G.H. Beach" in four lines, and fancy escutcheon on the left wrist, mother of pearl inlay on the right buttstock. sling swivel, wooden ramrod with brass tip, bone grip cap with white spacer, dark striped maple stocks, crescent steel buttplate that has been dovetailed at the bottom. The bore is excellent/bright, falling block action is smooth, the wood is overall very good with some minor dents/scratches, the metal finish is an old reblue about 98% with some very light scattered pitting under it. Markings are crisp/clear. Worthy of further research. NRA Condition-Good/Reblue. Antique Firearm.