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Rare U.S. Sharps/Springfield Armory Model 1870 Springfield Sharps Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:800.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Rare U.S. Sharps/Springfield Armory Model 1870 Springfield Sharps Rifle
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Estimate: $2000 - 3000
Even though these are called Model 1870s, this particular example is one of only 300 manufactured with the Model 1874 action. The actions were made by Sharps and Springfield Armory with newly fabricated parts necessary to complete the rifles. The action for this rifle shows no provisions for the pellet primer system and has the 1848 Sharps patent date on the left side. Only 300 trial rifles were made at Springfield Armory using all new cartridge receivers instead of converted Civil War actions. The serial number is marked on the left rear of the barrel and upper tang. The left side of the frame is marked with the two line 1848 Sharps patent marking and the buttplate tang is marked "US". It has a blade sight/socket bayonet lug, ladder rear sight graduated to 900 yards, two barrel bands and two sling swivels. The lock, receiver, lever and buttplate were casehardened and the barrel and barrel bands were bright. Full length straight grip stock with iron forend cap and a clear "ESA" oval cartouche stamped on the left side of the wrist. The rifle has the iron ramrod with a serrated slotted head.
BBL: 35 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 50-70
Finish: bright/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 189
Condition: Very good. The rifle has a mottled gray patina with traces of original case colors remaining in the protected areas of the frame. There is minor pitting. The wood is fine with hairline stress crack on the underside of the forearm near the rear screw, a number of minor handling marks, and some scattered chipping. The cartouche is crisp. Mechanically excellent.