Guns International #: 100699412
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Guns International #: 100699412
Category - Sharps Rifles - Antique
- Antique Rifles - Cartridge
Seller's Information
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Seller: Sargent Collier
Company: Antiques And Guns Member Since: 4/4/16
First Name: Sargent
Last Name: Collier
State:
New Hampshire
Zip: 03048
Country: United States
Phone: (603) 498-0557
Seller Type:FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Payment Methods: Cashiers Checks. Money Orders. Personal Check -10 Day Hold. Wire Transfer.
Sharps Mdl 1874 Sporting - Creedmore .44-90 Rifle w/Ammo Score Book Powder Can & Letter
Description: Rare Sharps Model 1874 Sporting/Creedmoor Rifle made in Hartford, Connecticut, and shipped from the factory on October 2, 1875 to Sharps Agent Edwin L. Harris of New York City. Caliber .44-90 Creedmore. Included with the rifle is an exceedingly rare full box of 20 UMC .44-70 Creedmore cartridges, an original Jewels Score Book published by the Sharps Rifle Company, an original Sharps powder can and a copy of a letter from Dr. R. L. Moore, previous owner of the Sharps records, giving the history of the rifle. The rifle started life as a Model 1874 sporting octagon rifle, serial number 155208. During the period, a Creedmore barrel number C54119 was installed. The Creedmore barrel number under the forend was then crossed out and the rifle serial number 155208 was stamped below it. This was not an uncommon practice in the day since the Sharps Creedmore rifles were actually the 1874 model. For the shooter who wanted to enter the Creedmore matches, changing a non-Creedmore barrel to one that was Creedmore approved saved him the cost of buying a second rifle. Creedmoor was an NRA competition started in 1873 and gets its name from the target range on Long Island, New York. The distance between shooter and target was in 100 yard increments, the longest being 1,000 yards. The NRA rules for the Creedmoor matches required the rifles to weigh no more than ten pounds and have a single trigger with a trigger pull weight of more than 3 pounds. Our rifle meets these specifications and has a 32 inch full octagon barrel with a minty bore. It is chambered for the Sharps .44-90, 2 5/8 inch necked cartridge. The barrel is fitted with a globe front sight and a graduated long range rear sight is mounted on the receiver tang, just like the first Creedmore rifle produced by Sharps. The sight is serial numbered to the gun. The rifle has a single trigger with an uncheckered face. The varnished walnut stock has a straight grip found on many Creedmore rifles. The walnut forearm has a pewter-like schnabel tip. The inside of the forearm is stamped with the serial number: 5208, the last 4 numbers of 155208. There are a few very light digs and scratches in the wood with most of the original varnish remaining. Also, there is an extremely tight and stable crack running from the right rear of the receiver down to the top of the sideplate. It has not opened up at all and does not continue below the sideplate. If you’re concerned, a bit of epoxy added inside the inletting will make this area stronger than when it was part of a tree. The barrel retains about 92% of its original blue finish. The top of the barrel is marked: “SHARPS RIFLE MANFG CO. HARTFORD CONN” and “CALIBRE .44”. The left side of the receiver is roll-stamped: "SHARPS RIFLE CO / PAT APL 6 1869". The original case hardening colors have faded to a pleasing silver color with some age discoloration on the sides of the receiver and lock plate. Protected areas of the receiver and hammer retain very faint traces of original case colors. The steel buttplate has a dull silver patina with scattered age spotting. The outfit comes with some wonderful goodies. First is the full yellow box of UMC .44-90 cartridges. It is shrink-wrapped in plastic and I have not opened it but assume it holds the correct ammo. It says “Creedmore” on the box with very nice graphics. It also has a picture of a rifleman shooting at a target. This is a very rare box. Dr. Richard Labowski, the gentleman who presently owns the Sharps records and writes the “factory” letters told me that this is the only box of Sharps ammo he does not have and wanted to buy it from me but I decided to sell it with the rifle. Also included is an original leather bound Jewell’s Score Book published by Sharps. It’s a wonderful little volume with lots of Sharps information, period advertisements – including one by Edwin S. Harris, the dealer our gun was shipped to and the famous store, Schuyler, Hartley & Graham - and scoring sheets, some of which are penciled in by a shooter with his results. In addition, on the front piece is written: “To John Amber. With all best wishes. Hugh Smiley. Sept. 23, 1952.” Could this be THE John Amber of Gun Digest fame? Finally there is what I believe is an original black Japanned Sharps powder can. Now I know that there are lots of fakes around however this one sure looks correct to me. Both the paint and paper label show signs of age to me. A wonderful assortment of a period Sharps target rifle with accompanying items that will be a great addition to your collection. Actual Shipping Cost To Be Paid By Buyer. SOLD Antique: Yes Manufacturer: Sharps (Original) Model: Model 1874 Sporting Creedmore Rifle Serial Number: 155208 Caliber Info: .44-90 Bore: Excellent Condition: Fine Metal Condition: Fine Wood Condition: Fine Bore Condition: Excellent Barrel Type: Octagon Triggers: single Sights: Long Rang Tang Peep Manufacture Date: 1875 Extras: Ammo Score Book Powder Can Factory Letter Item Location: New Hampshire |
Guns International #: 100699412
Guns International #: 100699412