Engraved A. A. Kellogg Sharps Bridgeport Model 1874 Sporting Buffalo Rifle 45-70

Description:
According to Frank Sellers in Sharps Firearms, approximately 6,400 Model 1874 sporting rifles were manufactured by Sharps in various configurations between 1871 and 1880. The Sharps Model 1874 earned a reputation as one of the finest rifles of the American West in the late 19th century and was widely used by professional buffalo hunters, frontiersmen, and wilderness guides. Valued not only for their substantial stopping power but also for their exceptional long-range accuracy, these rifles became prized tools on the frontier. Skilled period gunsmiths often selected Sharps rifles as the foundation for high-grade custom arms, and this particular Model 1874 sporting rifle features outstanding craftsmanship by Alfred Andrew Kellogg (1844–1910) of New Haven, Connecticut.

The 1887 publication Leading Business Men of New Haven County lists “A. A. Kellogg, Headquarters for Sportsmen’s Goods, Nos. 506 State Street, and 3 Elm Street,” and states that Kellogg assumed control of the long-established gunmaking firm Duntzee & Jaynes in 1867. The text describes Kellogg as “a native of New Hartford, Connecticut,” and notes his prominence in the New Haven sporting arms trade, building one of the state’s leading sporting goods businesses. Known as an expert gunsmith and marksman, Kellogg’s shop continued to be advertised as late as 1903 in The Yale Literary Magazine. His brother, Henry Kellogg, received a patent for a breechloader in 1862 and may have had professional ties to the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company.

Kellogg’s rifles were renowned for their superior craftsmanship and accuracy. The Meriden Daily Republican reported on January 24, 1870, that Kellogg achieved five consecutive shots within one inch at 40 rods (220 yards). One exceptional A. A. Kellogg custom Sharps Model 1878 Borchardt rifle, ornately engraved and attributed to Master Engraver L. D. Nimschke, is featured in multiple authoritative sources, including Steel Canvas by R. L. Wilson (p. 221) and Sharps Firearms by Frank Sellers (p. 282). Sellers notes, “Their work was of the highest quality and they received commissions from famous American and international customers,” and confirms that “several of these Express Rifles [were] made by Kellogg.” dKellogg-customized Sharps rifles remain exceedingly rare.

The lock plate of this fine Sharps Model 1874 sporting rifle is relief engraved with an oval cartouche reading “-A. A. KELLOGG–NEW-HAVEN, CONN.-” surrounding a diamond marked “MAKER.” The lock also displays tasteful scroll engraving, a refined hammer with engraved scroll accents, defined border work, and a finely knurled spur. The part-octagon barrel is marked on the top flat with a boxed “Old Reliable” logo ahead of the rear sight, the Sharps Bridgeport address hidden beneath the rear sight, “CAL. 45” at the chamber, and “2 1/10” on the right side of the barrel near the breech, denoting .45-70 Government chambering. The rifle features a dovetailed Rocky Mountain-style German silver blade front sight and an elevation-adjustable buckhorn rear sight. It is mounted with a highly figured extra fancy walnut checkered forearm and matching checkered pistol grip buttstock. Additional deluxe features include German silver escutcheons for the wedge on the forearm and a blued steel shotgun-style buttplate.

Condition

Very fine with 95% blue finish on the barrel with a plum hue, 60% plus vivid case colors with smooth brown patina and minor surface freckling on the balance, and sharp lock engraving. The buttplate has a faded blue appearance with some scattered minor pitting. Wood is very fine with highly attractive fancy grain, a professional repair visible at the checkered area on bottom of the pistol grip, a few scattered light handling marks, and crisp checkering and edges. Mechanically excellent. This exceptional A. A. Kellogg Sharps Model 1874 sporting rifle would add volume to any antique American arms collection!

Rifle Caliber: .45-70 Government
Manufacturer: Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company
Model: 1874
Serial Number: NSN
Barrel Length: 30 inch part octagon
Condition: The bore is partially darkened with distinct rifling.

Price: $27,899.99