April 27-30, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/27/2021
Springfield-Sharps US M1870 Type I lever action breechloading single shot rifle. 1 of only about 700 made of this type, they were made by Springfield using a combination of Sharps 1863 style actions converted for centerfire metallic cartridges, and Springfield musket parts. 35" round barrel chambered for .50-70 Government with military ladder rear sight and blade front. Receiver is correctly marked on right side with C. Sharps Oct. 1852 patent with R. Lawrence April 1859 patent above it. Left side of receiver is marked with C. Sharps Sept. 1848 patent on left side. Left side of barrel is marked with serial number which is correct. 2 piece plain walnut stock and forearm with forearm being in 2 band musket configuration and stock having US marked military buttplate. Stock cartouche is illegible. Complete with replacement full length cleaning rod. CONDITION: Excellent overall, with barrel and barrel bands being mostly National Armory Bright with scattered light pitting and storage marks throughout. Color case hardened receiver retains none of the original colors and is mostly a gray patina. Stock and forearm are very good as cleaned with numerous dents and dings throughout but do not show any signs of any cracking, breakage, or heavy chips. When stock was cleaned it was covered with a wood oil and this has covered all metal parts with a yellow layer. Action works appropriately when cycled by hand. Bore is mostly bright with abrasion toward muzzle and well defined rifling. Overall, a fine example of a rare Sharps variation. TON