May 13-15, 2025 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2025
The Sharps rifle company began converting numerous surplus military inspected carbines and rifles into viable sporting guns before the introduction of the Model 1874 following the Civil War. For this rifle, Sharps used a military C serial number frame with a surplus military issue butt stock that has the DFC David Clark ribbon in center of stock on left side (applied to cartridge converted Sharps) as well as the two original cartouche stamps on left side of AWM for Allen W. Mather and TWR for Thomas W Russel, both of whom are documented inspectors for the Sharps New Model 1863 rifle. Sharps installed an extra heavy barrel that is oversized at receiver breech. It is stamped with the "Old Reliable" box as well as Sharps Rifle Co. Bridgeport legend. The underside of barrel as well as inside the forearm have stamped numbers that match the original tang serial number. The caliber, 45 2/10 is stamped at breech. The frame has the Sharps patent legend on right side. Case colored patchbox and butt plate. Double set triggers. CONDITION: Very good. The stock is superb with minor impressions only. You can see where the sling swivel was removed and filled. The cartouche stamps are bold. The top rear of stock has three letter small inspector stamps and top of butt plate has a single sub inspector stamp. The patch box retains nearly all its bright case color and the screws retain nearly all their bright blue. The numbered forearm shows far more wear with a chip at frame on right side and scattered dings. The butt stock fits nearly perfect but must have been replaced after the initial conversion as the condition is too sharp compared to balance of rifle where as the barrel is now a smooth brown patina with sharp legends. The frame, lever and hammer colors are now a nice patina. The set triggers are still working. The bore shows clean and well defined rifling but is frosted. A really nice example of a factory converted post Civil War buffalo rifle.
Manufacturer
Sharps Rifle Co.