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Sharps Model 1874 ''Straight Breech'' 3-Band Military Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:900.00 USD
Sharps Model 1874 ''Straight Breech'' 3-Band Military Rifle
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Sharps Model 1874 ''Straight Breech'' 3-Band Military Rifle, #C,49342, .50-70 CF cal., 30'' round barrel, with dovetailed post front and R.S. Lawrence patent folding-leaf rear sights and raised boss at breech, marked with maker's name and Hartford address in three lines below bottom band; steel receiver made without a pellet primer device, has serpentine trigger guard-operating lever that drops breechblock for cartridge loading/auto extraction and sliding lever latch at lower tang, is marked with the two-line Sharps 1848 patent date on left side, two-line 1852 patent date on right, and ser. no. on lower tang; oil-stained walnut forestock has a steel nosecap and is held by three spring-retained bands (middle with sling swivel), matching buttstock has an iron patchbox opening to a trap for spare parts/patches, rifle-style buttplate, and sling swivel mount at belly (ring missing). Mfg'd ca. 1871-73. Condition is very good retaining traces of original metal finishes (mottled case colors to hammer, bright blue to band springs) and an overall gunmetal gray tone. Stocks are sound and smooth showing scattered minor marks, were likely smoothed and re-oiled as inspectors' cartouches are not present. Edges and markings are sharp; action is smooth; bore is clean showing light overall frosting and defined rifling. This Model 1878 military rifle is rare, as only about 1,769 were mfg'd 150 years ago. Est.: $1,800-$2,400. (Antique)