139

Slotterbek Model 1874 Sharps Sporting Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:18,000.00 USD Estimated At:18,000.00 - 24,000.00 USD
Slotterbek Model 1874 Sharps Sporting Rifle
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA 92606
Rare and Desirable H. Slotterbek Model 1874 Sharps Sporting Rifle, #C,45392, in scarce .38 cal., 30'' brown octagonal barrel marked ''H. Slotterbek, Los Angeles'' in gabled manner. Case hardened frame, smooth straight walnut stock made from military Carbine stock, with nickel silver decorative plaque marked ''J.W. Wolfskill from his Father'', double set triggers, fine notched windage adjustable rear sight and what originally appears to be a Rocky Mountain type front sight where the base remains but the blade has gone missing. Typical Slotterbek wedding band detail to breech of barrel, with brass crescent buttplate. All appearing to be a very early example of a Slotterbek, Los Angeles, sporting rifle. William Wolfskill was instrumental in California ranch history, and was considered the founder of the California citrus industry, especially in the development of the Valencia orange. He sponsored the first public school in Los Angeles and was instrumental in the development of Southern California's cattle industry. In his 35-year residency, from 1831 to 1866, Wolfskill's role in transforming California from a sleepy Mexican province to the great state it later became, cannot be understated. A direct descendant of Daniel Boone, Wolfskill left Boone's Lick, MO, and took the Old Spanish Trail from Taos to Santa Fe to California. In less than 20 years, Wolfskill became perhaps the most successful grape and citrus producers in the state of California, owning what was at that time the largest wine vineyard in the state. It is interesting to note that Wolfskill's rancho encompasses todays Irvine, Santa Ana, and other Orange County communities. By 1866 James Irvine owned 100,000 acres in Orange County -- The county is named for Wolfskill's oranges. Condition of this rifle is excellent showing very light use and minor general thinning to finish. Stock is excellent with only slight pressure dings. Double set trigger functions as designed. Action is crisp, bore is excellent. A uniquely Southern California rifle from California' Golden Era. Est.: $18,000-$24,000. (Antique)