GUN SPRING 2018
The live portion of this session begins on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.
CHEYENNE, WYOMING ASSOCIATED SHARPS MODEL 1874 RIFLE WITH TELESCOPE AND FACTORY LETTER.SHARPS187415660840-100W/SCOPECal. .40-100 Sharps. Bbl 26" medium heavy octagon, measuring 1 1/16" across flats at muzzle. Externally adjustable telescope marked "Manufactured R.C. Rice, Warren, Ohio". Bbl marked "P. Bergerson", w/2-piece walnut stocks w/ schnable forend tip, checkered metal buttplate and 1 3/4" diameter white metal patch box inletted in buttstock. Rifle is accompanied by a Sharps Rifle Co. records letter from Dr. Richard Labowskie, indicating this rifle by number was shipped in 1879 to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham. Orig shipped .45 cal. w/a 28" bbl. Double triggers, open sights and oil finished stocks. Letter further states that Dr. Labowskie reviewed pictures of this rifle and states that it had been considerably modified of its orig configuration and bears the bbl stamp of Peter Bergerson of Cheyenne,WY. This rifle most certainly made and modified bio to utilized in the buffalo hunting trade, has a scalloped cheekpiece to be utilized when wearing a parka or to be more easily used when shooting from sticks. Survival rate of these buffalo hunting rifles is very small and finding any example is a great rarity. The unique scope mounts have a provision for elevation at the front while windage adjustment appears to be fully controlled from rear base. PROVENANCE: The esteemed collection of Rafael Cruz. CONDITION: Very good overall w/metal having obtained a mellow and somewhat mottled brown patina. Stocks are equally and consistently aged w/a darkening area at wrist and forward area of cheek rest from handling and period use. Bore is somewhat dark w/shallow traces of rifling. Telescope, while being cloudy, still functions and the fine crosshair reticle is still intact. A truly prime example of the buffalo hunting era w/great Wyoming association. 53073-5 TDW (12,500-17,500)