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SCARCE Sharps 1874/77 Transitions "English" Model 45 2-6/10 Single Shot Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:25.00 - 500,000.00 USD
SCARCE Sharps 1874/77 Transitions  English  Model 45 2-6/10 Single Shot Rifle
Scarce rifle made by the Sharps Rifle Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut, often referred to as "The English Model". Designed with the help of Charles Overbaugh, one of approximately 10 shipped to N. Curry and Brothers of San Francisco, CA in 1878. This rifle is listed on page 216 of "Sharps Firearms - Model 1874, 1875 & 1877 Target Rifles and Model Variations" by Roy Marcot, Ron Paxton and Edward Marron Jr. as one of the transitioned rifles. These rifles are part of a large order completed by Sharp's Vice President and Treasurer Edward G. Westcott. Features a blued 32" round tapered barrel in 45 2-6/10 caliber. Blanks for these barrels came from England from Triplett and Scott according to The Sharps Firearms book mentioned above. Barrel has Spirit level Globe front sights with no rear sight and tang fitted with a long range Vernier sight not numbered to the gun with staff measuring 6" from top to pivot point. Barrel is marked with "Old Reliable", Bridgeport address. Barrel has "Rigby Flat" at breech. Case-hardened modified and shaped 1874 action with Sharps "1869" patent marked on the left. With locks removed, milled out surfaces are visible and when lever is open, a round milled hole is visible in breechblock (all done to streamline action). Controlled by serrated plain single trigger. Fitted with Italian figured checkered pistol grip stock with unusual hard rubber butt plate. Matching walnut checkered Schnabel forearm with serial number stamped in barrel channel. Experts feel this stock is period correct but not of Sharp's origin. The firm of Curry was well capable of upgrading and possibly did on this rifle. Comes with Sharps factory letter. Jack T. Livengood Collection. CALIBER: 45 2-6/10. S/N: 106, 105. FFL STATUS: Antique.
CONDITION
Retains 90% original barrel blue with light speckling from poor storage. Action has traces of case colors, handling areas starting to turn dark. Finish has been lightly cleaned, sharp checkering and small handling marks. Good bore and mechanics. Hard rifle to find!