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RARE S.H. & G 1874 Sharps .45-70 Three Band Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:3,600.00 - 5,200.00 USD
RARE S.H. & G 1874 Sharps .45-70 Three Band Rifle
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This lot features a RARE Schuyler, Hartley & Graham 1874 Sharps .45-70 Three Band Rifle. The rifle features a 30" barrel, walnut three band military stock, external hammer, falling block action, ladder rear sights, and bright finish. This rifle is one of 200 made for famed New York arms dealer Schuyler, Hartley & Graham in 1879. This extremely rare Sharps was made at the Bridgeport, CT plant expressly for S.H. & G. and is identified and described in the excellent book SHARPS FIREARMS by Frank Sellers. Many, if not most, of the Sharps rifles ordered by this company were then sold to western dealers and outposts during the frontier and buffalo hunt years which lasted into the early 1880s. All of these rifles utilized Civil War Sharps receivers that were painstakingly made into .45-70 caliber military rifles and carbines. Surviving examples of these special order Sharps are few and far between and seldom appear on the collector market today. This rare commercial rifle is not to be confused with the more common .50-70 caliber military conversions of which many thousands were made. With only 200 manufactured, a fine, unaltered example like this is a prize for any Sharps, buffalo hunting or Old West collection. The serial number of this example is C49606 (149607) and is complete with the correct Lawrence marked and patent dated 1859 ladder rear sight with slide intact as well as the sporting blade front sight dovetailed into the front of the barrel (unlike the military stationary front sight). Left side of the receiver is stamped “Sharps Pat. Sept. 12, 1848” and the right side of the receiver is marked “C. Sharps Pat. Oct. 5th 1852.” The wood is in fine condition showing normal handling marks and dings but no cracks. The stock has the desirable and attractive iron patchbox along with correct inletted sling swivel to match the barrel band swivel. The lower tang retains the working lever catch. Tight action with surprisingly excellent bore with very strong and sharp rifling. Only the rear barrel band is missing which should be an easy part to replace. All metal surfaces are smooth and show no signs of being rusted, pitted, abused or over-cleaned. Very tight wood to metal fit. This rifle was manufactured in 1879. Antique firearm. NO FFL transfer or NICS background check required. The serial number is C49606