September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
Serial number is 8113, barrel is 26", caliber is .36 Bore,Total of 606 were manufactured. This is an interesting sporting rifle, the right lock plate has the C- sharps patent 1852 as can be seen on the model of 1852 sporting rifle. The 1853 sporting rifle had a different legend and supposedly changed at 1853 serial number 8000 so technically, by the serial number, it should be an 1853. The barrel is stamped Sharps Rifle Manufg. Co. Hartford Conn., which is correct for late model 1852. There is come confusion as to whether this is a late 1852 or an early 1853, regardless though, the walnut stocks are original to gun. There are two professional repairs at wrist on left side, proud to metal, the forend has some darkening, but no cracks and sports a German nickel forend cap. The butt stock has the original buttplate and patch box. This is a beautiful piece of wood. Wood to metal fit is perfect with majority of original finish but there is a crack at wrist that heads both directions 1" to 2". All metal surfaces are a dark gray brown patina. Has original front and rear sights, double set triggers and the bore exhibits strong rifling with usual black powder abrasion. The right side of stock has a previous owners initials engraved H.I.L. Very handsome sporting rifle as she sits that could be even better with some attention to the stock. Factory Research Letter: $8116 shipped Dec 11, 1854 from Hartford. 90 Bore - .36 caliber. No special features.