May 28 & 29, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/28/2020
Produced in the 1870 through 1880 period. V. Kindler East Saginaw retailer marked Sharps rifle. 32" 1/3 octagon barrel with retailers marking on top over breech. Schnabel sporting forend retained by single screw and checkered walnut straight stock with crescent butt. Percussion lock has been converted with primer mechanism being filled and welded and then recontoured to resemble the 1874 pattern lock. The trigger bar has been modified by removal of the retaining latch and then being extended to resemble the 1874 pattern. These conversion are sometimes found marked Meacham, Boker and Fruend. Conversion rifles such as this frequently found themselves in the West as well as the target ranges of the early 1880's period. Vincent Kindler was a substantial retailer of sporting arms and equipment based in East Saginaw MI. His retailer marking has been found on Winchester, Marlin, Colt and Sharps pattern riles. These conversion rifles are detailed in great length in Frank Sellers book "SHARPS FIREARMS" from pages 175 through 193. CONDITION: Very good with barrel retaining over 75% rust blue finish and balance toning to patina. The receiver and lock retain generous amounts of period blue with evidence of cleaning and patina. The walnut stocks are full sized and have typical blemishes and scars but are very good and serviceable. The bore is outstanding with sharp rifling and bright lands. The action operates properly. An additional serial number (156574) has been applied to the lower trigger plate and its significance is unknown.The rifle is equipped with an original Winchester 1876 ladder adjustable rear sight and is fitted with a contemporary set of superb quality spirit level adjustable front sights and mid-range tang sights produced by Axtel in Montana. The .40-70 Sharps Bottleneck cartridge was known as one of the most accurate target cartridges of the period and was used extensively for large game hunting as well. TDW
Caliber/Bore
.40-70 Sharps Bottleneck
Manufacturer
Sharps Rifle Co.
Model
Sporting Rifle Conversion