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Meacham Style 1874 Sharps Attributed to Porter Rockwell Single Shot Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:25.00 - 500,000.00 USD
Meacham Style 1874 Sharps Attributed to Porter Rockwell Single Shot Rifle
This model 1874 is fitted with an action manufactured circa 1865. According to seller, this rifle was once owned by Orrin Porter Rockwell, known as "The Destroying Angel of Mormondom". Rockwell was born in 1844 in Massachusetts and became the personal bodyguard of Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saints movement, and later Brigham Young. Rockwell was a businessman, bodyguard, lawman, frontiersman, scout and was famous for the quote "I never killed anyone who didn't need killing". This rifle was made originally as a Sharps Carbine as evidenced by a plugged hole inside at receiver where a sling bar would have been. These guns were often converted by jobbers such as E.C. Meacham of St. Louis, MO (an area Rockwell knew well). Actual conversion facts are lost to history. Features a 32" full octagon blued barrel, measuring 1" across for 45 caliber. Barrel is fitted with sporting Globe front sight and has 5 groove English style rifling. Barrel has 4 plugged scope base holes and a silver plaque with the word "Azrael", in Biblical terms meaning "Angel of Death". Except for several sets of numbers under the forearm, there are no other markings. Case-hardened action modified from a percussion carbine with serial number illegible because of tang filed down for mid-range Vernier tang sight installation. Action has standard Sharp's patent marks with plugged hole for saddle ring bar and plugged cap priming tube. Action is fitted with double set triggers and a custom tang possibly done by Meacham or other similar conversion jobbers. Extractor is marked with the number "132". Rifle is fitted with a walnut pistol grip checkered stock and has a nickel plated butt plate which resembles a modified Schuetzen butt plate. Matching walnut forearm with pewter Schnabel tip. A very unique and interesting Sharps with more research needed. Comes with Sharps letter and picture of Orrin Porter Rockwell. Jack T. Livengood Collection. CALIBER: 45. S/N: 132594. FFL STATUS: Antique.
CONDITION
Retains 95% original finish with plugged scope holes, possibly done when assembled, with blue fading to plum. 80% case colors with most in protected areas. Wood has dark appearance with forearm having a fiberglass repair inside. Forearm appears to have been damaged at one time with pieces glued also. Good bore with some small pitting with good mechanics.