1236

Rare Sharps Model 1851 Sporting Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
Rare Sharps Model 1851 Sporting Rifle
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Estimate: $10000 - 15000
This is a solid example of a very rare Sharps Model 1851 Sporting Rifle that was manufactured circa 1852-1855. This rifle is fitted with a heavy 28" octagon barrel with the correct globe front sight and "squirrel ear" rear sight, (mounted backwards). It is also equipped with the correct folding tang peep sight. Marked "SHARPS RIFLE MFG CO./HARTFORD, CONN" on the top barrel flat between the rear sight and breech, "EDWARD MAYNARD / PATENTEE / 1845" on the primer cover and the top of the receiver/upper tang is marked "C. SHARPS / PATENT / 1848" followed by the serial number. The matching serial numbers are marked on the bottom of the barrel flat under the forearm and inside of the buttplate and patch box. The barrel was finished blue. The hammer, action and lever are casehardened. The patch box and buttplate are brass. These rifles were actually made for Sharps by Robbins & Lawrence but most of the Sporting Rifles carry the Sharps name. The forearm is numbered "158" and has a square pewter tip. Both the forearm and stock have a high gloss varnished finish. Only 193 of the Model 1851 Sporting Rifles were made with only 41 of them in .36 caliber.
BBL: 28 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 1408
Condition: Very good plus overall. The barrel has a smooth brownish plum mottled patina and the hammer, action and lever have a smooth dark mottled patina. The brass has an even natural, pleasant aged patina. The wood is fine with much of the original high gloss varnish remaining and a few overall scattered minor nicks, scratches and dents. Mechanically excellent. A very nice rare and early Sharps 1851 Sporting Rifle.