November 17 & 18, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2021
Sharps Model 1874 single shot rifle made by the Sharps Rifle Company, Bridgeport, Connecticut circa the 1880's. Rifle has 30" octagon blued barrel that measures 1 - 3/16" across muzzle flats with German silver sheared blade front sight and rear flip graduated sight with Rocky Mountain style notch sight when sight is flipped down. Sight is marked "R.S. LAWRENCE PATENTED FEB 15TH 1859". Barrel is marked "OLD RELIABLE" has Sharps Bridgeport address with top barrel flat at breech marked "CALIBRE 45". Underside of barrel marked with serial number 161173 and what looks to be a spread eagle or bird stamping(?). Case hardened action with unmarked lock and left side of action marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO PAT APR 6 1859". Action has double set triggers serial number 161173 across loading area of tang with tang drilled for Vernier peep sight. Walnut plain stock with unusual brass Kentucky rifle style buttplate (possibly a field replacement). Walnut splinter type forearm with lip and is stamped with serial number of gun in barrel channel. Most likely a rifle built from leftover parts at the factory. CONDITION: Barrel blue has faded to a silvery patina with some slight surface corrosion. Action has surface corrosion with balance turning silver. Stocks have traces of original finish with butt possibly a period replacement and forearm has sliver missing from front on right side and left side. Pitted bore with visible rifling and good mechanics. DLM