May 23rd 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/22/2015
At the end of the Civil War, the government had a surplus of Model 1859 carbines on hand, this was prior to the introduction to the Model 1874 in 1871. Utilizing a combination of these surplus carbines and newly made Sharps parts, a number of factory (and outside-the-factory) converted these guns for sporting use. This is one of those conversions. The buttstock and frame are from an 1859 carbine. Stock is in excellent condition and still has three very sharp cartouches on the left side. Right side still has the patchbox. Bore is extremely clean with very strong rifling. No cracks in wood either in stock or forearm. The screws still exhibit generous amounts of fire blue with traces of colors on buttplate. The frame has been converted from percussion to centerfire and is mostly greyed out. The serial number places it mid-range with the 59 carbine. At the time of its conversion to a sporting rifle, the barrel was changed to an extra heavy 30" octagon. Breech is stamped "Caliber .50" and the barrel has the "Old Reliable" ribbon and "Sharps Rifle Co. Bridgeport, Conn.". Barrel is basically a smooth brown patina and the stamps are very sharp. It has a standard Sharps rear sporting sight and a knife blade front. Serial number on underside of barrel matches tang. There were three .50 caliber cartridges available on the Sharps rifle, the big 50 2-1/2" straight case was introduced in July of 1872, as was the 2" case, and the 1-3/4" was introduced in 1869. It is not known whether this is a Sharps or Meacham conversion, but does not have the checkering usually associated with the Meacham conversions. The forearm was specially made and measures 1-7/8" wide. The barrel flats are 5/8". Rifle weighs approximately 16 lbs. These rifles were specifically made for hunting buffalo and basically were too heavy for any other purpose, and subsequently many were converted to more manageable weights after the buffalo were gone. With the prices of 1874 .50 caliber buffalo rifles bringing in excess of $50,000-$60,000, this rifle may present a historical bargain for some lucky owner. A wonderful and unique opportunity to own a true 1870's .50 caliber buffalo rifle in fine all original untouched condition.