3072

Scarce Special Order Bullard Large Frame Lever Action Rifle with British Proofs

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:6,500.00 - 8,500.00 USD
Scarce Special Order Bullard Large Frame Lever Action Rifle with British Proofs
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Estimate: $6500 - 8500
This is a nice example of a Special Order Bullard lever action rifle with the special order tapered 24" tapered round barrel in 50-115 Express caliber. Bullard rifles are considered very rare on the collector market today as they were only produced from 1886 to 1890 and competed for sales directly with the Winchester, Marlin and Whitney lever actions rifles also produced during this time. This fierce competition really stymied their sales creating a very limited production of Bullard rifles. This rifle employs a very long receiver/action that houses a brass cartridge lifting mechanism (very similar to the Winchester 1876 rifles) to accommodate the larger and longer cartridges. It has a 6 1/4" straight cylindrical bolt (similar to the 1873 and 1876 Winchester rifles). This bolt has a unique two-tooth, gear mechanism at the rear that engages a similar two-tooth geared mechanism on the front of the breechblock. This geared mechanism functions off the loading lever and basically acts as the locking lug for the rifle bolt which gave it far more strength to withstand higher pressure of the larger cartridges.The left side of the receiver wall is marked " BULLARD REPEATING ARMS COMPANY / SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT. AUG. 16 1881", with extractor hole through the "S" in U.S.A.. The right side is marked "Model 1886" and the top of the chamber is marked "Cal / 50 / 115". The left rear of the barrel is marked with a "crown/GP", "crown/V", a provisionary proof and the number "38". The left side breech end of the receiver is marked with a "crown/V" proofmark. The serial number appears on the upper rear of the frame directly behind the hammer. Sporting blade front sight with a German silver insert, adjustable rear sporting sight, 1/2 magazine and mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with an iron end cap and checkered hard rubber Bullard buttplate.
BBL: 24 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 50
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 2670
Condition: Very good. The barrel and magazine retain 75% original blue finish mostly thinning to brown, wear on the muzzle and a couple of minor dings. The receiver and lever have a mottled grayish patina with scattered minor pitting. The wood has been lightly sanded and revarnished with a repair on the toe of the stock and a few scattered minor dings and dents. Markings are clear. The action is excellent.