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Sharps Model 1874 Old Reliable Sporting Rifle with Extremely Rare Complete Market Buffalo Hunter's O

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:8,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
Sharps Model 1874 Old Reliable Sporting Rifle with Extremely Rare Complete Market Buffalo Hunter's O
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Estimate: $20000 - 30000
This lot includes a Sharps Model 1874 Old Reliable Sporting Rifle with the original buffalo fur covered traveling box, classic 5 1/4" wide belt sheath for two knives and one sharpener; 8 x 15" buffalo fur covered wood block butcher knife holder with 11 knives and 1 sharpener; another cylindrical butcher knife holder 8 3/4" tall, heavy leather covered, with 6 knives and 1 sharpener, a buffalo fur covered 9" wood drum canteen, with wire bale handle on top; two large chopping knives with sharpener for heavy work; 8 x 13" buffalo hide document case; 3 photos, one of buffalo skinners who worked with hunter, one of mounted buffalo head shot by hunter, and cabinet photo of brother of hunter. The included copy of the original Sharps ledger identifies this rifle (160704) as being shipped in April 1878 to A.L., Jr. The rifle is fitted with a heavy octagon barrel marked with a boxed "Old Reliable" followed by "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN." ahead of the rear sight and "45" at the breech on the top flat. The bottom barrel flat under the forearm is marked with the matching serial number (6 smaller than the other numbers) followed by a spread wing eagle. The inside of the forearm is numbered to the gun. Brass blade front and folding buckhorn/ladder style rear sights. The lock is unmarked, the left side of the receiver is marked with the two line Sharps patent date and the serial number is marked on the top, rear of the receiver. Double set triggers, the barrel was blue, remaining parts casehardened and mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with an iron buttplate. The original owner of this rig and the market hunter was Charles Parker, originally from Vincennes, Vermont (several prominent market hunters were from New England). This material represents the tools of the trade of the Buffalo market hunter, and was carried from hunt to hunt in a wagon, and only removed when in the immediate vicinity of the herd. The rifle was protected from damage and the weather in its fitted box 52" long wooden box, with a hinged lid, which secures closed with two leather straps, and holds its original brass cleaning rod. The knife sheath was worn on the belt and was only for food hunting, when the main tool supply was not needed. The fur covered canteen is large, as water was not always available on long hunts. Important papers could only be carried with some security and protection from weather in the pouch included. This rig is featured in "Man at Arms For The Gun Collector" pages 36-37. Possibly the best and most complete set extant. Rock Island Auction sold this extremely rare outfit seven years ago and we are fortunate enough to be able to have it for public sale again.
BBL: 30 3/8 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 160704
Condition: Very good. The barrel has a smooth mottled brown patina with some scattered minor dings and scratches. The remaining metal surfaces have a smooth mottled gray and silver gray patina. The wood has been freshened with a coat of varnish. There is a piece missing under the hammer, a 3 1/4" sliver missing from the upper right front of the forearm, a few minor gouges on the stock and scattered minor dings and dents overall. The markings are readable. The action is fine. The rifle box is very good. The fur covering, as on all pieces, shows accumulated dust, some loss of fur and some wear to the hide. Some portions are loose but still intact. A gentle cleaning probably would benefit. One of the closing buckles broke off and is inside box. The knife holders show long use and age with decent, but dusty fur. Knives show age/use, with aged patina and expected swelling of the handles, and some minor pitting and oxidation. The photos are all good showing some yellowing from age. Everything was all cared for not only during its use, but when it was stored thereafter. The entire set makes a fascinating display of a Buffalo Hunter's rig that most collectors have never seen and nearly impossible to find again.