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SHARPS MODEL 1874 SPORTING SINGLE SHOT RIFLE.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 7,000.00 USD
SHARPS MODEL 1874 SPORTING SINGLE SHOT RIFLE.
Cal. 40 (40-70 Bottle Neck). S# C,54498. Bbl. 30" octagon measuring 7/8" across flats at muzzle. Top flat is marked "SHARP'S RIFLE CO. HARTFORD CONN." R.S. Lawrence Patent rear sight with modern globe front sight. Top tang has 2 modern screws in holes for Vernier sight attachment. Plain trigger. Left side of action is marked "SHARP'S RIFLE CO. / PAT. APR. 6, 1869". Lock plate is unmarked. Pewter tipped walnut forearm held by 2 screws. Straight grip walnut stock has carbine style steel buttplate. Weight: 9 lbs., 10.6 oz. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: letter from Dr. Richard J. Labowskie stating the following: "Sharps rifle serial #154498 has been located in the original records of the Sharps Rifle Company. It is listed in Order Book No. I as an Octagon Rifle, later termed the Model 1874 Sporting Rifle, and was invoiced at the Hartford factory on March 20, 1875 to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, gun dealers and wholesalers of New York City. The rifle is further described in the record as being .40 caliber, case length not specified, with a 30 inch full octagon barrel, single trigger, globe and peep sights and oil-finished stocks. The weight was not listed, but the price of $43 less 20 + 10% suggests that it was a rifle of standard weight, i.e., less than 10 pounds. The order to the Schuyler, Hartley & Graham firm on this date consisted of two rifles identical to the above and three others similarly configured in .44 caliber. Along with the rifles were sent 5 sets of reloading implements, 5 bullet molds, 12 cap awls and 2 ball seaters. The net total of the order, including the shipping box, came to $192.55." CONDITION: metal finish has a gray coloration indicating possible touchup finish in the distant past. Sanded and undersized refinished wood has a dark worn appearance with dents and handling marks. Stock has chips around top tang and lock. Sound action. Dark bore retains strong rifling. (01-21337/DS). ANTIQUE. $5,000-7,000.