October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2018
To most knowledgeable single shot and Sharps aficionados, the name George Schoyen is synonymous with custom single shot target rifles made at the turn of the last century. His handmade barrels were world renowned for their accuracy, and his shop in Denver, Colorado was a beehive of activity. In 1884, the famed Carlos Gove sold his Denver armory to Schoyen and D.W. Butt. In 1887 Schoyen partnered with Fred A. Burgen. By the late 1880's, the word of Schoyen's skill reached the European shores. The famed Buffalo Bill Cody and Annie Oakley were regular customers. His skill is best remembered for re-barreling and altering fine target rifles. Today, a Schoyen custom Sharps is both rare and desirable as it is considered one of the finest target/hunting rifles of its time. The factory letter states that the standard Model 1874 sporting rifle was shipped on October 4th, 1878 to Charles Stockbridge of Colorado Springs as a .45 caliber 2-7/8" shell, 30" full octagon barrel, double triggers, open sights and oil finished stocks weighing a total of nine pounds. Two identical rifles were shipped to Stockbridge on the same date. It was either Stockbridge or a customer that acquired this gun and took it to Schoyen to improve an already fine rifle. This standard 1874 rifle exists with the following features: full round barrel with collar stamped "Geo. C. Schoyen Denver", hooded single post front sight, custom elongated checkered walnut forend with Schnabel tip and double mounting screws, pistol grip rear walnut stock with coarse hand checkering and coarse checkered steel shotgun buttplate, original double set triggers, case colored frame. Rifle now bears a period scope made by the Cataract Tool & Optical Co. of Buffalo, New York with mounts of their own design. The finish on the rifle barrel is a smooth, even plum-blue patina with sharp legends. Forend is excellent with double panels of fine checkering. Buttstock is in excellent condition but does have a few dings and there is a slight crack on left and right sides of wrist that could easily be repaired by any competent woodworker. Frame and hammer still retains approximately 70% of the original case colors. Scope is fitted with standard reticle and the company is listed on page 57 in the book "Old Rifle Scopes" by Streobel. Information provided is that the Stevens Arms Company bought the complete business and stock from Cataract Tool in 1901. Bore exhibits sharp lands and grooves that are slightly frosted. Action operates correctly. Comes with invoice of previous owner who paid $20,000 for this rifle in 2007 and had it shipped to London. Original Sharps letter included.
Manufacturer
Sharps Rifle Co.