October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
This is a very fine example of an original Sharps Model 1878 Business rifle. It is chambered for the .45 - 2 7/8" cartridge. Features include a 30" heavy round blued barrel, case color frame, lever, block and bolt. The walnut stocks have an LB in circle on left side at rear. The rear sight is a folding semi-buckhorn while the front sight is a Rocky Mountain blade style. The barrel breech is stamped J.P. Lower Denver Col. The barrel has the Old Reliable stamp as well as the Bridgeport stamp. Lower once stated he had probably armed every Colorado Territory lawman, badman, Indian, and gambler in the territory during the rough and tumble Buffalo hunting and Indian wars years. His fame as a shooter and owner of the largest gun emporium west of the Mississippi made him famous and rich. Any gun that can be documented to having been shipped to this illustrious address has a scarce gun indeed as it leaves no doubt as to it's presence at one of the richest times in our country's history. CONDITION: The barrel retains at least 90% original blue that is just starting to thin. The frame and lever retain fully 90% case colors, some of which are still bright. The stocks are excellent with just the usual minor bruises. The bore has sharp, mirror bright rifling and the action is crisp. The screw heads are true and have not been molested. It would be very hard to find a nicer, western shipped, Sharps rifle. Outstanding. From the Mel Hrubetz Collection. DB
Caliber/Bore
.45 - 2 - 7/8"