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Rare Cased Sharps Model 1874 Buffalo Rifle with Heavy Barrel with Double Set Triggers

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:8,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
Rare Cased Sharps Model 1874 Buffalo Rifle with Heavy Barrel with Double Set Triggers
Fitted with a heavy barrel marked "Old Reliable" is in an octagon box and followed by "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN." ahead of the rear sight and "CALIBRE 50" at the breech. "C. SHARPS PAT/ SEPT. 12th 1848" is on the left flat of the receiver behind the breechblock guide. The serial number is on the upper tang of the receiver, the bottom of the barrel, the trigger plate, buttplate and front face of the buttstock. The bottom of the barrel is also marked "11" which is for the weight of the barrel, 11 pounds. The total weight of the rifle is 14 and 3/4 pounds. The weight of the barrel and the double set triggers are special features mounted on this rifle. The barrel is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and a folding leaf rear sight graduated to 800 yards. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a brass tack in the center of the left side and an iron buttplate. Complete in a locking period case. The case is wooden, covered in green painted canvas with brown leather edges and tie down straps, and carrying handle. The lock is correctly unmarked and it was originally lined with maroon felt, but now has some green felt inside. Included are a pair of crossed hickory sticks, 30" long used as a rest when shooting, a lead bar (marked "ST. LOUIS BAR LEAD") weighing a little less than 3/4 of a pound and a replica tang sight built to original specifications.
BBL: 30 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 50-90 SS
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: C53485
Condition: Very good with crisp original blue/ brown patina on the barrel and some of the original casehardening pattern on the lock plate and hammer, otherwise a dark patina. There is some light pitting around the loading chute behind the breechblock. The wood is good overall with a few minor cracks in the stock, a filled hole in the forearm and overall some minor dents and dings. Mechanically fine. The case is very good as currently finished, with some loose partitions and some that need restored in the proper color. The straps show some heavy wear and one side of the handle has come loose from the case.