September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/5/2023
Introduced in 1876 as a lower priced alternative to the Sharps sporting rifles, Sellers lists only 1,604 having been produced. This example is fit with a shortened 23 - 1/4" barrel chambered in .45-70. In addition to the caliber designation, the barrel is marked with the Bridgeport address, "Old Reliable" trademark, and "BUSINESS 45" designation. Sights are blacksmith-made sporting style replacements. Case hardened receiver stamped on left with 2-line "SHARPS RIFLE CO." markings. Double set triggers. Plain walnut buttstock with military style butt plate. Frontier replacement forend. CONDITION: Fair showing wonderful character, likely from heavy use in the West where many of these hearty no-frills rifles ended up in service. Barrel has drifted to a mottled brown/gray patina, with the receiver case colors having turned to a silvery patina. Stocks are dry with a weathered and worn appearance showing some shrinkage, in addition to impressions and abrasions. Bore maintains strong rifling throughout with some light pitting. Set triggers in need of adjustment. An honest, been there, done that example of an iconic frontier rifle exuding Western character.
Caliber/Bore
.45-70 Government