1162

Bullard Large Frame Lever Action Rifle with Three Digit Serial Number

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
Bullard Large Frame Lever Action Rifle with Three Digit Serial Number
Buyer's Premium is 20.5% by credit card, reduced to 18% if payment is made by cash, check or wire transfer. Contact Rock Island Auction Company to complete your registration with the auction house.
Bullard Large Frame Lever Action Rifle with Three Digit Serial Number

Bullard rifles are desirable on the collector market today as they were manufactured only from 1886 to 1890. They competed for sales directly against the Winchester, Marlin and Whitney Arms Company lever action rifles also manufactured during this time. This fierce competition really stymied their sales creating a very limited production of Bullard rifles (approximately 10,000 to 12,000). This rifle employs a very long receiver/action that houses a brass cartridge lifting mechanism (very similar to the Winchester 1876 rifles) to accommodate the larger and longer cartridges. It has a straight cylindrical bolt (similar to the 1873 and 1876 Winchester rifles). This bolt has a unique two-tooth gear mechanism at the rear that engages a similar two-tooth geared mechanism on the front of the breechblock. This geared mechanism functions off the loading lever and basically acts as the locking lug for the rifle bolt which gave it far more strength to withstand higher pressure of the larger cartridges. The left side of the receiver has a small side plate that allows access to the mechanism inside and the loading gate for the tubular magazine located on the underside of the receiver. This particular rifle has a round barrel marked with a small number "32" at the breech. The top of the receiver at the breech is marked "Cal/40". The upper left side of the receiver is marked with the two line address and 1881 patent date. The serial number is marked on the upper tang directly behind the hammer. Blade front and adjustable sporting rear sights. Blue finish with casehardened hammer, breechblock and lever. Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with an iron forend cap and crescent buttplate. With the rifle are a pull through cleaning rod, full length 40-75 sizing die, brass powder measure, deprimer and 2 bullet seaters.

Manufucture: Bullard Repeating Arms Co
Model: Large Frame Sporting
BBL: 28 inch round
Stock: walnut
Guage: 40-75
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 353

Fine. The rifle retains 40% original blue finish mixed with smooth brown patina. The hammer and lever retain most of the faded original case colors with a smooth gray on the balance. The wood is good with some shallow gouges, minor dents, dings and scratches. The markings are clear. The action is fine. The cleaning brush shows heavy wear, otherwise the tools are very good.