75

Sharps "Big Fifty" 1874 Buffalo .50-100 Single Shot Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:25.00 - 500,000.00 USD
Sharps  Big Fifty  1874 Buffalo .50-100 Single Shot Rifle
Manufactured by Sharps Rifle Company of Bridgeport, CT in 1875, and was one of ten shipped to H.Folsom and Company in St. Louis, MO. Comes with Richard J. Labowskie factory letter stating shipping dates and configurations. Consignor lore states this rifle was purchased off a descendant of the original owner who was a member of the Metis Tribe of Plains people, descendants of French and Scotch immigrants mixed with local indigenous people. This group were great hunters of buffalo on the Northern Plains and into Canada. Known to ride across the plains with the rifle across the saddle and take the buffalo from horseback. Features a 30" blued half-octagon barrel with muzzle filed for ease of in and out of the saddle scabbard. Fitted with blade front sight (almost completely worn), removed rear sight with dovetail plugged. Barrel has Hartford address with breech marked "Calibre 50". Case-hardened action with Hartford collar, Sharps 1848 Patent date and "Sharp's Rifle Co Pat. Apr 6, 1869" marked vertically on left side. Action is fitted with factory double set triggers. Walnut plain butt stock with steel crescent butt plate. Walnut forearm with pewter tip. Barrel is numbered under forearm and matches gun. Includes factory letter. Provenance: Bruce Moyer Collection, Jack T. Livengood Collection. CALIBER: 50-100. S/N: C54438. FFL STATUS: Antique.
CONDITION
In fair condition with metal turning a plum tone and areas of oxidation. Wood has dry appearance as noted on guns used in the west with some deep gouges and a cracked forearm with a section missing (gone from long ago). Crack has had some glue applied to stabilize and is in need of professional repair. Good bore and mechanics.