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Scarce 1 of 300 Produced Sharps Model 1870 Breech Loading Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Rifles Start Price:1,800.00 USD Estimated At:3,750.00 - 5,500.00 USD
Scarce 1 of 300 Produced Sharps Model 1870 Breech Loading Rifle
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Scarce 1 of 300 Produced Sharps Model 1870 Breech Loading Rifle

This is a very rare early second type Sharps Model 1870 trials rifle of which there were only 300 in total manufactured, circa 1870. This series of rifle was a continuation of the U.S. Ordnance Dept. to adopt a cartridge rifle in the post Civil War years using some of the left over Civil War era parts. The Second models were actually a new manufactured rifle using the new 1874 Sharps action. They were numbered in their own range; 1-300, with this rifle being number 152. The actions were made by Sharps with Springfield Armory doing the assembly with newly fabricated parts. The action for this rifle shows no provisions for the pellet primer system and has the 1848 Sharps patent date on the left side. The serial number is on the upper tang with a second number (33092) on the left rear side of the barrel. The left side of the wrist has a oval "ESA" cartouche. The buttplate tang is marked "US". Front blade sight/socket bayonet lug with an Allen type folding rear sight graduated from 2-9 (200-900) 200 to 900 yards. The lock, receiver, lever and buttplate were casehardened and the barrel and barrel bands were bright. Mounted with a full length straight grip stock with two barrel bands, iron forend cap, sling swivels and iron ramrod with a serrated slotted head.

Manufacture: Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company
Model: 1870-Rifle
BBL: 36 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 50-70 U.S. Govt
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 152

Fine condition with the barrel and barrel bands having all the original Armory bright polished finish with the receiver and lower tang loading lever retaining 40% of their case colors overall with more colors in the protected areas. The stock and forend are both also in fine condition with a nice oil finish on the wood with both showing minor light pressure dents, dings and scratches from years of handling and storage. The markings and cartouche are clear and sharp. A very nice all original scarce Sharps Model 1870 rifle.