September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
Serial No. 8623. Caliber is .40-70. Barrel length is 30 inches. The number one rolling block sporting rifle was manufactured from 1868 to 1888. Approximately 12,000 of the sporting rifle no. 1 were manufactured. This was the largest of the rolling block frame sizes and was utilized for the largest caliber hunting rifles. These rifles are almost never found in the large calibers with any condition. Popular with buffalo hunters in the 1870's, this example is chambered for the popular .40-70 cartridge. Features include a 30" heavy octagon barrel, case colored receiver, and walnut stock. This rifle has survived in outstanding all original condition. Barrel retains approximately 85% of the original factory blue with razor sharp edges and strong barrel legend. Frame retains at least 75% of its original case colors, some brilliant. Hammer, block, and side toggle retain approximately 80 percent of the brilliant factory blue. Has a pewter tip and steel buttplate. Walnut stocks are excellent and proud to metal displaying a majority of the original finish with some minor abbrasions. Has a special order Remington globe front sight and an original long range tang rear sight. Excellent strong clean bore. These big caliber sporting rifles saw heavy use on the frontier and were direct competitors to the Sharps, Winchester, and Marlin single shots of the era. Given the low production numbers of the sporting rifles, those intended for hunting not target shooting, they are rarely found with any degree of original finish. This example, having survived in such high condition, is a true rarity and will seldom be found on today's market in this condition.