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Sharps "Old Reliable" Model 1874 Mid-Range Number 1 Single Shot Rifle with Vernier Rear Sight

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,250.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Sharps  Old Reliable  Model 1874 Mid-Range Number 1 Single Shot Rifle with Vernier Rear Sight
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Estimate: $6500 - 9500
This is a fine example of a very desirable Sharps No. 1 mid-range target rifle in the 40-70 sharps cartridge. This model was manufactured between January 1876 and November 1879 and it features the standard 30-inch octagon barrel, casehardened receiver and nickel-plated sporting buttplate with checkered walnut forearm and pistol grip stock. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the legend: "SHARPS RIFLE CO. HARTFORD CONN." in a single line ahead of the rear sight, and the Sharps "Old Reliable" trademark behind the rear sight. On the top barrel flat directly in front of the receiver the barrel is stamped: "CALIBRE 40" and on the lower right side of the barrel it is stamped with "70." The barrel is fitted with a dovetail mounted front sight with nickel-silver blade, a standard Sharps high-notch, folding rear sight manufactured by and marked: R. S. Lawrence and a early tang mount, folding Vernier rear sight with the flat side on the base, that is the same width as the upper tang. This vernier rear sight is unmarked and is adjustable for elevation only. The left side of the receiver is roll-stamped: "SHARPS RIFLE CO./PAT APR 6 1869" in two lines and the serial number "156577" is stamped on top of the upper tang under the rear sight base and on the underside of the barrel beneath the forearm. The rifle has a single trigger with checkered face. The stock and forend have the standard Sharps factory checkering with a varnished finish. The Model 1874 Mid-Range Rifle was intended for use at the various target rifle matches a the Creedmoor range and NRA rules governed weight and required a single trigger. Only 102 Model 1874 No. 1 Mid-Range Rifles were manufactured.
BBL: 30 inch octagon
Stock: walnut checkered pistol grip
Gauge: 40-70 Sharps
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 156577
Condition: Fine overall with 85% of the original blued finish on the barrel with wear on the edges, with some thinning on the upper section of the barrel, with a couple of areas of very minor pin-prick pitting, where it was picked up and handled. "A.A. Miller" is hand stamped in block letters on the left side of barrel, forward of the forearm tip. The receiver and loading lever retains 30% of their original case colors, primarily on the lock plate in the protected areas with the balance of the receiver and loading lever finish having turned a silver gray mottled patina overall. The markings are clear and distinct and the top high points of the receiver area have a couple areas of very fine pin-prick pitting from years of handling. The stock retains 90% of its original factory varnish with very good checkering on the pistol grip area, with light wear across the tops of the checkering with a couple of minor pressured dents on the left side. The brass buttplate retains 5% of its original nickel plated finish. The forend retains 70% of its original factory vanish, with most of the varnish loss on the rear area of the forend from normal handling and use. The checkering on the forend is also in fine condition with only a couple of minor handling marks with even honest wear across the tops of the checkering that matches the wear patterns on the stock.