April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
This incredibly high condition Sharps rifle is listed in order book number 1 and was invoiced at the Hartford factory February 22nd, 1875 to Henry Alger Gildersleeve. The rifle is described as .40-70 caliber. 28" full octagon barrel, single trigger, globe and peep sights (tang sight), oil finished stocks with deluxe XXX wood and nickel buttplate. Net bill of rifle and ammo was $52.25. CONDITION: The fact that this rifle remains in incredible all original condition with 98% original factory blue finish with brown patina coming through, razor sharp edges and legends, beautiful oil finished deluxe crotch cut walnut stocks, 85-90% original case colors on frame, some starting to tone and darken. All of the special order features such as nickel brass buttplate, Sharps tang sight, presentation ID nickel plaque at flat heel of forearm at frame, along with the standard features with pewter forearm cap and Lawrence folding rear sight. Bore is near mint, shiny, with well defined rifling. In addition, the buttplate retains approximately 40% of the original nickel plating. The stock is almost without mars. The only flaw we can find is a slight divot on right side of receiver that appears to be a casting flaw. This rifle was sold to a 19th century noted shooter, Colonel Henry A. Gildersleeve, was a founding member of the National Rifle Association and became the most famous rifleman of his day for his victories with the American teams at the international matches of 1874, 1875, and 1876 using a Sharps #1 Creedmoor. He became so successful that the Sharps Rifle Company capitalized on his endorsements, using him in their advertising campaign. This rifle is accompanied by a Sharps Rifle Company letter, as well as a photocopy of his photograph and a letter on his stationary endorsing the Sharps rifle. Arguably one of the best Sharps sporting rifles we have ever offered in terms of condition. When you add condition to the fame and NRA history of the original purchaser, this Sharps rifle remains a spectacular piece that belongs in the NRA museum.
Manufacturer
Sharps Rifle Co. (Connecticut)