April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
According to the Sharps letter by Doctor Labowskie, this rifle was one of 69 Model 1874 Schuetzen rifles, 68 of which were sent to the New York Central Schuetzen Corps between January and May of 1878. Some had minor variations such as checkering and pronged buttplates. The 69th rifle was sent to Ed Harris, a New York City dealer. The order for 68 rifles was invoiced at the Bridgeport factory January 17th, 1878 to William Gennerich, secretary of the New York Central Schuetzen Corps, New York City. Rifle of record is .40 caliber, using the 50 grain 1-1/16 inch shell with 30" full octagon barrel, globe front sight, mid range Vernier tang sight on sporting sight base, stocked with cheekpiece and sporting buttplate (This example has the pronged Swiss style buttplate mentioned in letter.) The price was $42 for each of the original 18 shipped on this date. Sent with reloading tools, etc.. This rifle retains all of the aforementioned features with addition of double set triggers, checkered forearm only, with plain pistol grip walnut stock. Right side of stock has I.D. oval plaque, uninscribed. The rear sporting sight has the Lawrence pattern. Buttplate is made of brass and fits perfectly. Tang sight is complete and original. Bottom of lever and forend has a threaded plug to allow use of a palm rest. CONDITION: Rifle is in excellent condition. All legends, including "Old Reliable", are razor sharp, as are edges. Barrel retains 95% of the original blue finish that is now just starting to blend with a soft undertone of patina. Frame shows some traces of case colors but is basically greyed out. Checkering is razor sharp, wood is proud to metal. Stock has a few minor dings, overall is in excellent to near mint condition. Bore has well defined rifling with clean grooves, no major blemishes. This is a beautiful, unadulterated, as shipped, special order Sharps 1874 midrange target rifle with a stories history. The New York Schuetzen corps was founded in 1857 by German Americans. In the 20th century they relocated to New Jersey, club held two shooting meets a month in an annual outing. A very special rifle indeed.