1285

San Francisco Shipped Sharps Model 1874 Sporting Rifle with Factory Letter

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:0.00 USD Estimated At:13,000.00 - 18,000.00 USD
San Francisco Shipped Sharps Model 1874 Sporting Rifle with Factory Letter
This Bridgeport manufactured Model 1874 was made circa 1871 to 1881 (the Model 1874 was not applied to the gun for a few years after production began). Under the remarkable period custom rear buck horn sight, the top of the barrel is marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN.", writer can not see the Old Reliable marking. Writer assumes that the marking is there due to the fact this rifle was manufactured after 1876 and is Bridgeport marked. The left rear barrel flat is marked "CAL 45 2 7/8". The left side of the frame is marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO / PAT APR 6 1869". The serial number is marked horizontally along the back of the receiver. The number is correctly marked with 6 numbers because the "C" prefix was dropped after serial number C54800. The front sight is a replacement ivory blade and the rear sight is a replacement adjustable large semi-buck horn type. The barrel is numbered to the gun. The rifle is equipped with double set triggers and mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with an iron buttplate. The rifle is accompanied by a factory letter which verifies the serial number, caliber using a 2 7/8" case, double set triggers, full 32 inch octagon barrel and that it was in the inventory of Nathaniel Curry and Brother of San Francisco, Ca. on August 2, 1879.
BBL: 32 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 162422
Condition: Fine. The barrel retains approximately 50% original thinning finish, mostly at the muzzle end, with the balance having a smooth mottled brown patina. The rear sight dove tail has been filled and, as mentioned above, a long (almost 6" long) rear sight has been added ahead of that. The receiver, buttplate, lever and hammer have a smooth mottled gray patina. The wood is very fine with a few minor chips on the forend tip, a minor 2" crack in the same area, minor scratches and it has a hand rubbed finish. The buttstock has most of the original finish, hand rubbed in the wrist area and scattered minor scratches, dings and dents. The markings are clear. The mechanics are excellent.