Guns International #: 101643960

Category - Sharps Rifles - Antique - Antique Rifles - Cartridge

Category
Sharps Rifles - Antique
Antique Rifles - Cartridge

FINE EARLY SHARPS 1874 .50 CAL MILITARY RIFLE, #CLXXX (#150XXX), SHIPPED TO SCHUYLER, HARTLEY & GRAHAM  IN 1873

Description:
 VERY FINE EXAMPLE EARLY SHARPS 1874 .50 CALIBER MILITARY RIFLE, #CLXXX (#150XXX), SHIPPED TO NEW YORK DISTRIBUTORS SCHUYLER, HARTLEY & GRAHAM  IN 1873. This is one of the better condition examples I've seen of an early Hartford made Sharps Military Rifle. I know most of these rifles were shipped to dealers,  many of whom were in the West, for civilian sales. Interestingly, this rifle is marked with the very early stamping "NEW MODEL" ahead of the receiver on the barrel top- a holdover from earlier models and only the earliest 1874 military rifles and carbines have this. Keep in mind, the 1874 Model was actually introduced in 1871 with the Model 1874 designation added years later. The left side of the barrel flat just ahead of the receiver has the "L" stamp meaning it was made for the .50 caliber 2" case. The standard .50-70 was a 1 3/4" case and the longer sporting .50 had a 2 1/2" case. usually the "L" marked guns were intended for civilian use, often for the largest game in the Western States (A phone call to Dr. Richard Labowskie who retains the original Sharps shipping records confirmed the details of this rifle by serial number). Interestingly, on the upper tang of this rifle ahead of the serial number is a tiny  "E" over "33" stamping, and on the flat of the forend just ahead of the receiver bottom is stamped an equally tiny "M.N.M." meanings unknown- possibly some kind of rack number or identification. The barrel retains excellent deep blue overall with fine Sharps markings and has the original Lawrence Patent ladder rear sight with slide intact. The receiver is an uncleaned mottled gray/brown with some traces of case color under the hammer. The action is tight and the bore is bright, sharp and excellent with only a little darkness ahead of the chamber that may just be some leading and ought to clean out. The stock and forearm are excellent+ with tight wood to metal fit. All three barrel bands are intact with the correct and original sling swivels. An outstanding and early example of a true 148 year old 1874 .50 caliber Sharps.

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .50-70 Government, .50
Manufacturer: SHARPS
Model: 1874 MILITARY RIFLE
Serial Number: CLXXX (#150XXX)
Barrel Length: 30
Condition: FINE+
Bore Condition: EXCELLENT