May 7, 2024 The Paul Friedrich Collection of Firearms & Gold Rush
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
Massive Model 1874 Sharps rifle weighing 13 pounds 13 ounces made by the Sharps Rifle Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1877 and shipped to Lee and Reynolds Camp Supply in Indian Territory (Oklahoma). Lee and Reynolds were post sutlers on the Cheyenne Agency from 1868 to circa 1894. It should be noted that this post was a source of provisions for Custer and his 7th Cavalry. This great gun has a 30" octagon blued barrel with Bridgeport Address and "OLD RELIABLE" marking with breech marked "CAL 45"; caliber is 45 - 2- 7/8" Sharps. Barrel is fitted with factory standard Open Front Sight and Lawrence style rear sight with "Buckhorn" western modification. Underside of barrel is stamped with weight marking of "9" and "7" indicating 9lb 7oz, and matching serial number. Case hardened 1874 action with factory double set triggers with "SHARPS RIFLE Co./Pat Apr. 6 1869" marking on left and unmarked lockplate with last four digits (1932) of serial number stamped on inside. Tang has serial number correctly stamped perpendicular to barrel. Rifle is fitted with factory plain walnut sporting buttstock, correctly stamped with serial number behind action, and fitted with case hardened checkered steel buttplate stamped on inside "1932". Standard plain walnut two screw sporting forearm pencil marked on inside "1932". Comes with Richard Labowskie Official Factory Letter verifying all options and shipping details. Also coming with this rifle is an actual shipping receipt from Lee and Reynolds to Sharps listing desired guns and supplies (unfortunately, no mention of this rifle) dated "Sept. 4TH, 1875". CONDITION: This fine gun has 98% fading factory original blue with some light dings on corners and some age spotting. Action shows 80% original case colors under a coat of old oil, with colors starting to brown. Stock has been cleaned and possibly lightly sanded long ago with buttplate slightly proud of wood. Stock has several aged dings near lever with old coat of what looks to be Linseed oil. Excellent, well-cared-for bore with clear visible rifling with crisp original mechanics. A true Western Sharps in great condition with great history!
Caliber/Bore
.45 - 2 - 7/8"
Paperwork
Factory Letter, Order