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Documented Cased Shiloh Sharps Saddle Ring Carbine with Special Serial Number Range Used in The Movi

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,250.00 USD Estimated At:4,500.00 - 9,000.00 USD
Documented Cased Shiloh Sharps Saddle Ring Carbine with Special Serial Number Range Used in The Movi
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This Shiloh Sharps carbine is one of only 26 manufactured in a special run and serialized in a special range having a "USC" prefix. The carbines were made for R.L. Curtin who originally had them produced to be issued to soldiers participating in Mr. Curtins Cavalry Boot Camps and Indian Wars re-enactments along the Stillwater River Country of South Central Montana. The "USC" prefix stands for Upper Stillwater Cavalry. The carbines were made for Mr. Curtin by Wolfgang Droge the owner, operator of Shiloh Rifle Manufacturing Co. Inc. in and around 1987. The carbines were later leased to the production of the movie "Dances With Wolves" starring Kevin Costner. Mr. Curtin's army wagons and mule teams were also used in the movie. Mr. Curtin was hired as wrangler and drove the wagons and he and his teams appeared in several scenes in the movie, with Curtin sometimes doubling for actor Robert Pasterelli driving wagons. Behind the scenes Curtin worked as the horse wrangler for the movie crew and at times was the handler of Kevin Costner's horse. Mr. Curtin's name appears in the credits of the movie and he still receives residuals from the production company. One of the carbines was lost in a river during a scene in the movie and a replacement was made by Wolfgang (USC26). The carbines were also used in the movie "The Morning Star" and in the re-enactment of Custer's Last Stand. Mr. Curtin is a former Marine, actor, wrangler, hunter, outfitter, stagecoach driver, farmer and horseshoer. His expertise in the activities of the frontier Army is very extensive. Wolfgang Droge also built three rifles for Tom Selleck to be used in the movie "Quigley Down Under". Included in this lot is a black leather Cavalry carbine belt, a small picture book with scenes from the movie, and a photograph of Curtin with the carbine and belt, newspaper articles about Curtin's involvement in the movie, a notarized letter from Curtin, two pamphlets from the Upper Stillwater Cavalry Camp, two pay stubs from the production company, the Illustrated Story of "Dances With Wolves" and of course the DVD. The carbine has the boxed "Old Reliable" marking on the top of the barrel, as well as "SHILOH RIFLE MFG. CO." ahead of the rear sight and "CALIBER 45/2 1/10" at the breech. The two line Big Timber address is marked on the left side of the frame and the serial number "USC/014" on the upper tang. Blade front, folding ladder carbine rear sights, saddle ring and bar on the left wrist, blue barrel and casehardened remaining parts and mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock. Complete in a custom wooden case with brass hardware.
BBL: 22 1/2 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45-70
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: USC014
Condition: Excellent. The barrel retains 95% original blue finish with some thinning on the muzzle end. With the exception of the buttplate, the remaining parts retain 98% original case colors, and the buttplate retains most of the original case colors on the tang, with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The wood is very good with some scattered minor dents and scratches. Crisp markings. The action is excellent. A well documented special run and serialized Shiloh Sharps used in the epic movie "Dances With Wolves".