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A TRUE 1874 SHARPS BUFFALO GUN! WTH FACTORY HISTORICAL LETTER
Guns International #: 100990432 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Sharps Rifles - Antique - Antique Rifles - Single Shot
Seller's Information
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Seller: goodmanguns
Company: William T. Goodman
Member Since: 10/16/15
First Name: William
Last Name: Goodman
State: Montana
Zip: 59715
Country: United States
Phone: (406) 587-3131
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 49
Total Number of Listings: 3303
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: checks, cashiers/bank check, money order
Description:
A TRUE 1874 SHARPS BUFFALO GUN! THIS IS AN EARLY BRIDGEPORT MANUFACTURED MILITARY RIFLE #158XXX WITH FACTORY HISTORICAL LETTER THAT STATES THAT THIS RIFLE WAS SHIPPED SEPTEMBER 28, 1876 TO WESTERN DEALER AND WHOLESALER B. KITTREDGE & CO., CINCINNATI, OHIO. BUT WHAT MAKES THIS A "BUFFALO GUN" IS THE FACT THAT THE FACTORY LETTER ALSO STATES THIS 1874 MILITARY RIFLE WAS DESCRIBED IN THE FACTORY LEDGERS AS BEING .45 CALIBER USING THE 2&7/8 INCH SHELL. This was the longest and most powerful .45 caliber cartridge made by Sharps almost exclusively for buffalo hunting which was in full swing at this time. The letter also states, "It is well known among collectors that B. Kittredge & Co. sold guns throughout the West by means of their advertising and traveling representatives. Many Sharps rifles sold by Kittredge during 1876 and 1877 must have made their way to the Texas Buffalo Hunt." The so-called military rifles were less expensive than the sporting rifles and found favor with many buffalo hunters who wanted a Sharps but couldn't afford a heavy octagon rifle. This was also the first year of introduction of the .45 2 7/8" (.45-110) cartridge which makes this one of the very first Sharps to be so chambered. This example was made by the Sharps company utilizing a left over percussion action and re-fitting it for cartridge use- this was common on military rifles as well as "Hunter's Rifles" and "Civilian Carbines." They are all numbered in the 1874 range hence can be lettered. This example has the desirable patchbox feature and is in exceptional condition. It retains fine lightly aged barrel blue with excellent markings including the iconic "Old Reliable" stamping on the barrel top, correct Lawrence ladder rear sight with slide intact combined with a Sharps sporting front sight correctly dovetailed into the barrel (as opposed to the military style front sight), mottled gray receiver, excellent butt stock and forend with no chips or cracks, tight action with lever catch intact and functioning, and excellent bore with deep rifling and only the usual minor corrosion ahead of the chamber. An exceptionally historically documented buffalo Sharps
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Sharps
Model: 1874 MILITARY RIFLE
Serial Number: 158XXX
Caliber Info: .45 2 7/8
Condition: fine+
Barrels: 30