74

1874 Sharps No. 2 Mid-Range L.C. Bruce Connected .44-75 Single Shot Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:25.00 - 500,000.00 USD
1874 Sharps No. 2 Mid-Range L.C. Bruce Connected .44-75 Single Shot Rifle
Made by Sharps Rifle Company Of Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1874. This rifle has frame and stock serial numbered "161803" perpendicular to breech on frame. This number shows up as a "blank" in the Sharps records. Blanks often indicate returns or repairs. Trigger plate, barrel, tang sight, forearm are marked with serial number "157801" which in the Sharps records is a gun known shipped to Leslie Combs Bruce on March 28, 1877. Bruce was on the famous team beating English, Irish and Scots in the 1877 Creedmoor competition, normally dominated by European groups. Whether or not this rifle was used to do that is lost to history. Rifle is mentioned on page 107 of "Sharp's Firearms Model 1874, 1875 and 1877 Target Rifles and Model Variations, Volume III" by Roy Marcot, Ron Paxton, Edward W. Marron Jr. Rifle is fitted with a 30" blued octagon barrel with Sharps blade dovetail front sight with reproduction R.S. Lawrence rear flip sight. Calibered in .44-75, barrel is marked with Sharps Bridgeport address and "Old Reliable" markings. Stamped "Calibre 4" with second digit illegible, possibly indicating barrel was changed from 40-70 caliber to the improved 44-75 caliber. Case-hardened 1874 action with no markings other than serial number perpendicular to tang. Action is fitted with single serrated trigger and a mid-range Vernier tang sight. Serial number "157801" in Flayderman's this model is listed as being one of 71 made, with this one likely one of a handful linked to Bruce. Provenance of the David Carter Collection. LOP: 13-1/8". DAC: 1-1/2". DAH: 2-1/2". CALIBER: 44-75. S/N: 161803. FFL STATUS: Antique.
CONDITION
Metal has turned to a silvery gray patina with light oxidation. Wood shows original varnish with period plug in comb of stock, where a "Heel" sight base was originally. Forearm shows more wear and smoothing checkering. Good bore with light frost, visible rifling and great mechanics.