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Rare Cased and Factory Engraved Sharps Model 1853 Sporting Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 50,000.00 USD
Rare Cased and Factory Engraved Sharps Model 1853 Sporting Rifle
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Estimate: $25000 - 50000
Deluxe Sharps Model 1853 Sporting Rifle with factory case and accessories. The rifle has a 60 bore (.427) full octagon barrel, checkered, fancy walnut stock and forearm and "Extra Fine" scroll engraving on the forearm cap, receiver, hammer, lever and shotgun buttplate. The delicate and flawlessly executed scrollwork has double line borders and covers the entire receiver. The table listing major variations of the Model 1853 Sporting Rifle in "SHARPS FIREARMS" by Frank Seller indicates that only 38 Model 1853 Sporting Rifles were manufactured with a 60 bore, full octagon barrel and "Extra Fine" engraving. The barrel has a dovetail mounted globe front sight and folding leaf rear sight. The receiver tang is factory drilled and tapped for a tang sight. The rifle is fitted with factory double set-triggers. The barrel is browned and has an inlaid gold band at the receiver. The forearm cap, receiver, hammer, lever and buttplate have a color casehardened finish. The rear sight, breechblock and other small parts are niter blued. The highly figured walnut stock and forearm are varnished. A small shield is inlaid in the bottom of the stock behind the lower receiver tang. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "SHARPS RIFLE /MANUFG.CO/HARTFORD CONN" reading from breech to bore. The serial number "16281" and a large "O" are stamped on the underside of the barrel beneath the forearm. The rear face of the forearm is stamped with the serial number "16281". There are no factory or patent markings on the exterior of the receiver. The rifle is complete with a brass bound, mahogany case. The French-fitted case has a green felt lining. The case is complete with: 1) hickory cleaning rod, 2) screw-driver/nipple wrench, 3) steel, 60 bore, double cavity bullet mold, 4) box of Eley's No. 26 percussion caps, 5) copper powder flask with embossed scrollwork, 6) 1858 dated package of 100 J. Goldmark percussion caps, 7) spare nipple and springs and 8) several .427 caliber cast bullets.
BBL: 24 1/2 inch octagon
Stock: walnut checkered
Gauge: 60 Bore
Finish: brown/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 16281
Condition: Fine. The rifle retains 30% of the original brown and casehardened finish. Most of the brown finish is present on the barrel with some thinning on the edges. The rear sight has about 85% of the blue and casehardened finish. The receiver, hammer, lever and buttplate retain 80-85% of the casehardened finish with silvering on contact points and strong case colors in protected areas. The breechblock and pellet primer have much of the fiery, niter blue finish intact. The rifle shows minimal firing wear and the percussion nipple, adjacent areas of the receiver and hammer face are free from flash pitting. The "Extra Fine" scroll engraving is crisp and deep. The stock and forearm are both in very fine condition and retain most of the original finish. The checkering on the forearm and stock wrist is sharp and shows limited handling wear. The case exterior is in excellent condition with minimal handling and storage wear. The case lining is in excellent condition with no tears or stains. Lining wear is limited to compression marks from rifle hammer. The accessories are in very good condition. This is a rare example of a cased Sharps Model 1853 Sporting Rifle with "Extra Fine" factory engraving and checkered, fancy grade walnut stock and forearm.