Excellent Civil War Smith Carbine

(164P) Serial Number “21426″, 50 percussion caliber, 21 5/8″ part octagon/part round barrel, blue and color case hardened finish, and a walnut stock.  The Smith breech-loading carbine was manufactured by the Massachusetts Arms Co,. of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts between 1861 & 1865.  This Smith carbine has a blued half round and half octagon barrel, trigger guard, barrel latch and buttplate.  The barrel band, receiver and hammer have a color casehardened finish.  The stock and forearm are oil finished black walnut.  The barrel has a block mounted nickel silver front sight blade and a folding leaf rear sight.  A sling bar and ring are mounted on the left side of the receiver.  The left side of the receiver is roll stamped with the three-line manufacturers’ legend “MANUFACTURED BY/MASS. ARMS CO./CHICOPEE FALLS,”, followed by “ADDRESS/POULTNEY & IMBLE/BALTIMORE, U.S.A.”  The full serial number, “21426” is stamped on the forward portion of the receiver and the partial serial number ,”21” is stamped on the left receiver b lock with the remainder, “426“ on the right block.  A “B” single letter sub-inspection mark is stamped on the left  barrel flat, on the stock comb in front of the buttplate and on the right stock wrist.  A small “HJ” sub-inspection mark is stamped on the left barrel flat, on the stock comb in front of the buttplate and on the right stock wrist.  The stock is not marked with the usual encircled script Ordnance sub-inspection and final inspection marks and may have been purchased as part of the state contract.

CONDITION:  EXCELLENT! This outstanding, beautiful Smith carbine retains 95% of the original blue and color casehardened finish and appears to be un-issued and unfired.  There is no flash pitting on the percussion nipple of the breech.  All of the markings are extremely crisp.  The butt-stock and forearm are excellent and show only very minor storage wear.  This is an outstanding example of an important Civil War carbine with an estimated very high value.

PRICE: $4,900.00

 

Shiloh Sharps Model 1874 Military Saddle Ring Carbine

(154P) This near new 1874 Shiloh Sharps serial #2582B is in caliber 45-70, has a 22″ round barrel with a blue finish and color cased action and walnut stock.  The front sight is a blade and the rear is a Lawrence ladder.  The left side has a saddle ring bar.  The wood  is smooth walnut forarm with a straight grip butt stock and smooh, color cased half cresent butt plate.

Condition: Near new with only a few light handling marks overall

Price: $2,195.00.

SALE PENDING! FEBRUARY 5, 2013 (10 DAYS) Thank you Tim. 

 Sharps New Model Carbine Metallic Cartridge Conversion  SOLD!

 (157P) Serial  #C20782, caliber 50-70 U.S. Government, 22 inch round barrel, blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock.  This is an example of one of the Civil War Sharps New Model Carbines that were converted post Civil War to fire the 50-70 Government center fire cartridge.  This carbine has the three groove barrel.  These carmines were completely refurbished by Sharps during the conversion process and if needed, the stocks were replaced with ones not having the patch box, which is the case with this example.  This carbine has a brass front sight blade and carbine style rear sight graduated to 800 yards.  The address and New Model marking  is not visible on top of the barrel.  The lock is marked with the Sharps and Lawrence patent dates and the left side of the frame is marked with the Sharps patent marking with the serial number on the upper tang.  Mounted with a smooth oil finished black walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a DFC ribbon cartouche on the left side.

CONDITION:  Very fine as arsenal refurbished with a mint bore. The barrel retains 60% of the blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina.  The remaining metal surfaces retain 50% of the faded case colors.  The wood is also very fine with a few very scattered minor handling marks.  The cartouche is clear and the action is mechanically excellent.

PRICE:  $2,895.00  SOLD!

 

U. S. Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor Carbine

(156P)  Serial #342857, 45-70 Caliber, 22″ round Barrel, blue finish and walnut stock.  Manufactured circa 1886 to 1889.  The left rear of the barrel is stamped with “V/P Eagle Head/P” proofmarks, the breechblock is marked “U. S. / MODEL/1873” and the lock plate is marked with the Eagle and Shield motif followed by “U.S./SPRINGFIELD“.  The sights are a blade front with a Buffington rear, a “C” marked on the right side top of the rear sight.  Mountedwith a one piece straight grip half stock with a single barrel band, saddle ring and bar mounted on the left side and a half cresent steel buttplate with compartment, (cleaning rod not included.) , marked “US” on the tang.  The left side of the buttstock is stamped with a boxed “SWP” cartouche over the date “1886“

Condition:  Very good with the metal surfaces having a smooth mottled brown patina.  There are a few dings in the barrel behind the rear sight.  The stock has been refinished during the period of usage and remains very good with lightely visible cartouches and some moderate dings and dents overall.  The markings are clear and the action is fine.

Price:  $2.585.00.

U. S. Springfield Model 1888 Trapdoor Rifle With Ramrod & Bayonet

(155P)  Serial #529367, caliber 45-70, 32 5/8″ round barrel, blue/ color case hardened finish, walnut stock, blade front sight and Buffington rear sight, with the “V/P/Eaglehead/P” nspection  marks on the left rear side of the barrel and “A” on top.  Low arch breechblock. marked “U.S.MODEL/1884“, three click tumbler and lock plate marked “U.S./SPRINGFIELD” and Eagle motif.  Smooth, straight grip stick, with sling swivels.  “U.S.” marked buttplate and small “R.D.R.” stamped directly behind the lower tang.

Condition:  Very fine with the breachblock retaining 90% of its case colors.  The barrel retains 85% plus original blue finish with some areas of spotting, some scratches and a poum patina on the balance.  The lock and hammer retain most of the original blue finish and the tigger guard has a smooth mottled brown patina. The stok is very fine with  a crisp “RDR“  marking on the belly, some scattered minor dents and handling marks.  The markings are clear and the action is excellent.

PRICE:  $2,185.00

   

Dances With Wolves” Shiloh Sharps Rifle

Documented, custom Cased Shiloh Sharps Saddle Ring Carbine With Special Serial Number Range Used In The Movie, “Dances With Wolves”!

Serial number USC 014, 45-70 cal,. 22 1/2″ round bbl,. blue case-hardened finish, walnut stock.  This Shiloh Sharps carbine is one of only 26 manufactured in a special run and serialized in a special range having a “USC” prefix.  The carbines were made for R.L. Curtin who originally had them created to be issued by soldiers particitpating in Mr. Curtin’s Cavalry Boot Camps and Indian Wars reenactments along the Stillwater River Country of South Central Montana.  The “USC” prefix stands for Upper Stillwater Cavalry.  The carbines were made for Mr. Curtin by Wolfgang Droge the owner, operator of Shiloh Rifle Manufacturing Co., Inc in and around 1987.  The carbines were later leased to the production of the movie “Dances With Wolves” starring Kevin Costner.  Mr. Curtin’s army wagons and mule teams were also used in the movie. Mr. Curtin was hired as a wrangler and drove the wagons where he and his teams appeared in several scenes in the movie, with Curtin sometimes doubling for actor Tobert Pasterelli driving wagons.  Behind the scenes Curtin worked as the horse wrangler for the movie crew and at times was the handler of Kevin Sostner’s horse.  Mr. Curtin’s name appears in the credits of the movie and he still receives residuals from the production company.  One of the carbines was lost in a river during a scene in the movie and a replacement was made by Wolfgang (USC26).  The carbines were also used in the movie “The Morning Star” and in the re-enactment of Custer’s Last Stand.  Mr. Curtin is a former Marine, actor, wrangler, hunter, outfitter, stagecoach driver, farmer and farier.  His expertise in the activities of the  frontier Army is very extensive.  Wolfgang Droge also built three rifles for Tom Selleck to be used in the movie “Quigley Down Under.”  Included in this package is a black leather Cavalry carbine belt, a small picture book with scenes from the movie and  a photograph of Curtin with the carbine and belt, newpaper articles about Curtin’s involvemtent in the movie, a notarized letter from Curtin, two pamphlets from the upper Stillwater Cavalry Camp, two pay stubs from the production company, the illustrated Story of “Dances With Wolves” and of course the DVD.  The carbine has the boxed “Old Reliable” marking on the top of the barrel, as well as “SHILOH RIFLE MFG, CO,”ahead of th rear sight and “CALIBER 45/2 1/10″ at the breech.  The two line Big Timber address is marked on the left side of the frame and the serial number “USC/014″ on the upper tamg.  Sights are a blade front with a folding ladder carbine rear sight.  There is a saddle ring and bar on the left wrist. The barrel is blued and the remaining parts are color casehardened. The forearm is smooth walnut as is the straight grip stock.  This noteable, historic rifle comes complete in a custom wooden case with brass hardware.

CONDITION:  Excellent!  The barrel retains 95% original blue finish with some thinning on the muzzle end.  With the exception of the buttplate, the remainging parts retain 98% original case colors and the buttplate retains most of the original case colors on the tang with, a smooth gray patina on the balance.  The wood is very good with some scattered minor dents and scratches.  All markings are crisp.  The action is excellent.  This is a well documented special run and serialized Shiloh Sharps used in the epic movie “Dances With Wolves” and would be a focal point of any Sharps rifle collection plus this fine rifle was the personal rifle of R. L Curtin and is the only one cased in a custom, wood French fit case! 

Estimated value has been placed at $9,000 by two auction houses and several collectors at….$8,495.00 including three 20 round boxes of Black Hill ammunition.

                                                 

Springfield model 1879 Rifle

SOLD ON LAYAWAY!

Springfield model 1879 rifle, .45-70 caliber, Serial # 197887.

Condition: Very Good +! This rifle remains in very good to excellent condition showing 40 to 60% original blue evenly toning and drifting to patina with some scattered light erosion, pinprick pitting and normal aging. The lock markings and eagle are sharp, the stock shows an “SVW 1882″ cartouche. The breech block is dated 1873. The wood is very good to excellent with just a couple of nicks along the cleaning rod channel. There are a few dings and mars due to normal use. The trigge rguard shows 50 – 60% toning blue. There is a sharp “P” proof behind the trigger guard. The original bands, sights, small parts are all retained. The action is tight and the bore excellent. This is a very nice rifle with an estimated high value of $1,200.00…$1,150.00

SOLD ON LAYAWAY! Thank you John.

 

 Springfield 1884 Carbine

Springfield 1884 carbine, Serial #412472 in 45-70 caliber.

Condition: Very good to near fine original condition! The barrel shows 30 – 50% original blue evenly thinning and toning with some just beginning normal age and slight erosion. The lock and hammer show 75% original toning blue. The breech blong and tang show 75 – 85% case hardening with some bright colors. The stock is good to very good with sharp “SVW 1886″ cartouche. The butt-stock shows some weathering , some marks, nicks, darkening from oil and wear consistent with military use and storage, but at least good to very good overall with “P” proof behind trigger guard and “J” inspector’s initial just under the trigger guard. The trigger-guard shows 50 – 60% blue. The small parts and sights are retain most of their original color. An original sight cover is included. The action is excellent as is the bore. This is a very good, rare Indian war carbine as favored by cavalry troops with an estimated value of $4,000.00…$2,950.00.

Sharps New Model Carbine With metallic Cartridge Conversion

Sharps New Model Carbine With metallic Cartridge Conversion – Serial number C24213, caliber 50-70, 22 inch round barrel, blue/color case hardened, finish, walnut stock. This is an example of one of the 31,098 Civil War Sharps new Model 1863 Carbines converted by Sharps to fire the 50-70 centerfire cartridge. This carbine has the original six groove barrel. These carbines were completely refurbished by Sharps during the conversion process and if needed the stocks were replaced with ones not having a patch box, which is the case with this example. The barrels were blued with casehardened barrel band, receiver, lever hammer and buttplate. The sling bar and ring were finished bright. This carbine has a brass front sight blade and folding, adjustable leaf rear sight with a very faintly Lawrence patent marked base graduated to 800 yards. It has the standard percussion Lawrence pellet priming system. The top of the barrel is marked with the three line Sharps address ahead of the rear sight and “NEW MODEL 1863″ at the breech and the left rear is marked with an “F” and “E.A.W.” inspection marks. The lock is marked with the Sharps and R. S. Lawrence patent markings and the left side of the frame is marked with the Sharps patent marking with the serial number on the upper tang. Mounted with a smooth oil finished black walnut forearm and straight grip stock absent of any cartouches. The Sharps .50-70 metallic conversion carbines were widely issued to the U. S. Cavalry including the 10th and 7th Cavalry regiments on the frontier after the Civil War and remained in service until they were replaced by the .45-70 Springfield Carbine.

CONDITION: Arsenal refinished with a smooth mottled brown patina now on all of the metal surfaces. The wood has been re-oiled since that time and remains very good with some minor age cracking in the toe area and some minor scattered dents and dings. The six lands and grooves bore is excellent with no pitting and clear, sharp rifling.  The markings are clear and this fine piece of American history is mechanically excellent…$2,850.00.

 

 

Post Civil War Spencer Repeating Saddle Ring Carbine

SOLD

Unique Post Civil War Spencer Repeating Saddle Ring Carbine – Serial number #32281, caliber .52 Rim Fire, 19 3/4″ barrel, blue/casehardened finish and a walnut stock. This example of a Spencer Carbine is unique in that it is of the Model 1865 pattern with a unique Model 1867 feature. This specimen is equipped with the Spencer patent magazine cut-off on the top of the breechblock usually found on the Model 1867 marked specimens with serial numbers between 91,000 to 10,100. The front sight blade is fixed and the rear a folding ladder graduated to 800 yards. A combination trigger guard and lever operates the unique Spencer action, extracting the spent casing on the down stroke and chambering a fresh round from the tube magazine in the butt-stock on the upstroke. The top of the receiver is marked, “SPENCER REPEATING / RIFLE CO, BOSTON, MASS, / PAT’D MARCH 6 1860″ and the serial number is marked next to the hammer. The barrel is a Blue three groove and the remaining parts color casehardened. The saddle ring and bar are mounted on the left wrist. The wood is Walnut with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock ending with a steel carbine buttplate and a sling swivel.

CONDITION: NRA Very good. The barrel has a smooth brown patina. The remaining parts have a smooth silver gray patina with signs of some light cleaning on the receiver. The wood is good, There is a small chunk missing on the upper front, left side of the forearm, a crude period “H” scratched into the right side of the stock and overall minor to moderate dents, dings and scratches. The markings are legible and the action is fine…$2,390.00.

SOLD! Thank you Richard.

 

 

Sharps New Model 1863 Metallic Conversion Carbine

() Sharps New Model 1863 Metallic Conversion Carbine – Serial #66188, 50-70 U. S. Govt. Cal., 22 inch round barrel, clue/casehardened finish, walnut stock.This is an example of a Sharps Model 1863 carbine that was either arsenal or Sharps Rifle Company converted to .50-70 center fire metallic cartridge with the relined 3 groove barrel. The Ordnance Department contracted with Sharps to convert more than 31,000 Civil War carbines from percussion to center fire configuration in 1867. These carbines were issued to the U. S. Cavalry and along with the Model 1865 Spencer Carbines were the primary cavalry carbines until the Model 1873 Springfield Trapdoor carbine replaced them in 1874 to 1875. The carbine has the standard Lawrence folding leaf rear sight graduated to 800 yards and is fitted with a sling bar and ring on the left side of the stock wrist and receiver. The barrel is absent of the standard Sharps markings and the New Model marking is vary faint. The left rear flat is marked with the letter “F”. Crisp “Sharps and R. S. Lawrence” patent markings are on the receiver and lock plate. The serial number is located on the upper tang. The script “DFC“/ribbon final inspection mark applied to Sharps conversion carbines is stamped on the center of the left side of the stock.

CONDITION: Very Fine (NRA Very Good to excellent) as arsenal refurbished at the time of conversion with most of the original blue finish remaining on the barrel with areas thinning to a smooth plum. The hammer and lock retain 80% of the original case colors. The receiver has a smooth mottled patina with strong case colors on the left rear and in protected areas. The buttplate retains most of the case colors and the lever has a smooth silver gray patina with case colors in the protected areas. The wood is fine with some minor chipping around the saddle ring bar base and overall a few scattered minor dings and dents. This beautiful carbine is in excellent mechanical condition…$4,800.00.

 

 

Sharps New Model 1863

See note below!

() Sharps New Model 1863 conversion to .50 – 70 cartridge, Serial # 58329, in near fine original condition showing most of its blue and case hardened finish.

Condition: Very Good! There is some scattered erosion and pinprick pitting as normal aging. There are some very bright case-hardened areas on the lock and a lot of blue on the barrel. The stock shows some dings, large gouges, scratches and a “DFC” cartouche at left center and an “EH” cartouche beneath the saddle-ring bar. There is alight coating of varnish, but no sanding. The stock would be rated as good to very good. The buttplate shows strong case hardening , the saddle ring bar and stud show original bright finish. Some screws show bright original blue. The action is tight and the bore excellent and still bright and the chamber is evenly, lightly pitted…$3,875.00. 

This Sharps is not for sale pending a reexamination of its condition! I discovered the chamber was threaded with square threads, probably with the same pitch as the barrel extension threads.  I cannot find anyone who has ever seen this alteration.

 

 

Sharps Model 1877, 45-70 caliber

() Sharps Model 1877, 45-70 caliber, “Old Reliable” – “marked 34″ octagon barrel, blue and case hardened finish, wood stocks, shotgun butt, single trigger, Serial #NVSN. This beautifully engraved custom rifle was created by Dave Garman, former owner of Arcadia Sharps Co. The rifle represents the Sharps model 1877 with Freund modifications, double extractor, custom engraved lock plate, receiver, lever, trigger and hammer.

Condition: Overall fine! It shows approximately 99% custom blue finish on the barrel and 99% vivid case color with expertly accomplished engraving in the style of the original Freund’s Wyoming Armory rifles. The bore is “fine” and the action is crisp. The rear sight is adjustable and the front is a flip-up Beech. The select Walnut butt-stock has a fine semi-pistol grip and a hard rubber butt-plate, but was refinished by an armature. The right side of the pistol grip shows where something touched the stock while it was still wet. The forearm is a beautiful, slender splinter style. There is indication of earlier presence of a rear stock sight of some type, likely an adjustable vernier style target sight was mounted on the top rear of the stock and the long oval hole filled with some sort of filler. Although the wood was poorly re-varnished by a novice the wood is in great condition and could be sanded out to a beautiful satin finish. To find someone capable of doing this work from scratch today would be cost prohibitive and would likely take the patience of being on a waiting list for several years. Top estimated value of this rare Sharps is $7,000.00…$4,300.00.

 

 

Sharps New Model Carbine With Metallic Cartridge Conversion

SOLD!

Sharps New Model Carbine With Metallic Cartridge Conversion – Serial # 67533, caliber 50-70, 22 inch round barrel, blue/casehardened finish and walnut stock. Standard Lawrence folding leaf rear sight graduated to 800 yards sights on a three groove barrel with the letter “C” on the left side and an illegible “New Model” marking at the breech. The left side of the receiver is stamped with the two-line Sharps 1848 patent date and the lock is stamped with the two-line Sharps 1852 patent date. The stock has the saddle ring bar with the ring, a patchbox, and script “EF” cartouche and a script “DFC” cartouche.

CONDITION: Fine as partially refinished. The refinished barrel retains some traces of the blue finish (mostly at the breech.) with the balance a mottled brown patina with some minor pitting (mostly concentrated on the underside). The three groove barrel has a tiny bit of barely distinguishable minor pitting, but is overall excellent and bright. The receiver lever and hammer retain half of the case colors with the balance a smooth brown patina with some minor pitting and spotting. The wood is very fine with some minor dings and scratches and a few minor pressure dents. The patchbox is a nice patina and mechanically perfect.  The cartouches are clear and the action mechanically excellent…$2,850.00.

SOLD!

Thank you Buleigh.

 

 

Sharps New Model 1859 Cartridge Conversion Saddle Ring Carbine

Sharps New Model 1859 Cartridge Conversion Saddle Ring Carbine – Serial # 74456, Caliber 50-70, 22 inch round barrel, blue/color case hardened finish, walnut stock. This is an example of one of the percussion Civil War Carbines converted during the Indian Wars that was to fire the .50-70 center fire cartridge. This carbine has the three groove barrel. These carbines were refurbished by Sharps during the conversion process and if needed the stocks were replaced with ones not having a patch box, which is the case with this example. The barrels were blued with casehardened barrel band, receiver, lever, hammer and buttplate. The sling bar and ring were finished bright. The carbine has a brass front sight blade and folding, adjustable leaf rear sight with a Lawrence patent marked base graduated to 800 yards. The Lawrence percussion pellet priming system is intact. The barrel is absent of any markings and the receiver and lock markings are faint. There is the letter “C” on the upper left side of the receiver. The wood is smooth oil finished black walnut forearm and straight grip butt stock with a boxed “EF” cartouche on the left wrist and boxed “DH” cartouche on the left side of the butt-stock. The Sharps .50-70 metallic conversion carbines were widely issued to the U.S. Cavalry, including the 10th and 7th Cavalry regiments on the frontier after the Civil War and remained in service until they were replaced by the .45-70 Springfield Carbine.

CONDITION: Fine with 70% blue finish remaining on the barrel with some minor spotting. The receiver and lock retain 30% case colors, brightest in the loading port, with the balance having a smooth mottled brown patina. The lever has a smooth dark patina and the buttplate has a smooth mottled silver gray patina. The wood is very good as refinished with a loose hairline crack on the upper right rear of the forearm and overall a few minor dings and dents. The cartouches are clear and this old piece of history is mechanically excellent…$2,950.00.

 

 

Civil War Spencer Model 1860 Rifle

Civil War Spencer Model 1860 Rifle: Serial #2503, 52 Caliber, 30 inch round barrel, blue/color case hardened finish and walnut stock. This is a model 1860 Spencer Rifle made for the union forces during the Civil War. The front sight doubles as a lug for a socket bayonet. The rear sight is a ladder leaf. The barrel has three bands and a leather sling. The top of the frame has the standard three line Spencer address and 1860 patent date marking. The wood is oiled plain with a full length forearm and straight grip stock.

CONDITION: NRA Very good! The barrel has a mottled brown patina with some minor spotting. The remaining surfaces have a mixed gray patina with minor pitting overall. The stock is very good with stress cracking on the wrist, a hairline crack and missing chip near the lock and a couple of large dents on the forearm along with some minor dings, scratches and gouges, This Civil War piece is mechanically fine…$3,206.00.

 

 

 

Spencer Model 1860 Sporting Rifle

Spencer Model 1860 Sporting Rifle With J. Johnston marked Barrel – Serial # 52432, Caliber 45 RF, 29 3/4″ octagon barrel, , blue/casehardened finish, with a walnut stock. This rifle falls into the serial number range (11,000 to 61,000) of the 50,000 Spencer carbines made in the Civil War period of 1863 to 1865. This particular rifle has a 29 3/4″ barrel marked “CAST STEEL” on the upper left rear flat and “J. H. JOHNSTON/GREAT WESTERN GUNWORKS PITTSBURG, PA.” on the top flat of the barrel. Both markings read from breech to muzzle. The top of the frame is marked with the standard three line address/ patent date and the serial number is marked on the upper rear of the frame. The barrel gauges at 45 caliber with 6 grooves and is equipped with a dovetailed brass blade front and a fixed notch rear sight. There is sling swivel base on the lower flat ahead of the forearm. The barrel is blued and the remaining parts color cased hardened. The forearm is smooth and the grip is straight with a crescent iron buttplate and sling swivel base.

CONDITION: NRA Very Good! The metal surfaces have a smooth mottled gray patina commensurate with a 150 year old piece of history. A couple of areas of light spotting are present. The Walnut wood is good as period revarnish with scattered minor dings, dents and scratches. The receiver markings are clear and the action is mechanically fine…$4,298.00.

 

Sharps Model 1874 J. P. Lower Sporting Rifle “With Factory Records Letter“

Sharps Model 1874 Sporting Rifle With A Desirable “J.P. Lower” Retailer marked Barrel – Serial number “157084″, 40 Sharps Caliber (40 Caliber was the most accurate and was used by a majority of competitive shooters of that era.), 28 inch octagon barrel, blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The chamber appears to be cut for a bottleneck cartridge, and the factory records letter states the case length is 2 5/8″.  I removed the front hand-guard and the only thing stamped on the bottom of the barrel is the serial number and another number that has been marked out and appears to have been 150113, but I am not 100% sure. The forearm wood has the number 7084 stamped into it. This Bridgeport manufactured Model 1874 was made and shipped in 1876 (the model 1874 was not applied to the gun for a few years after production began). The top of the barrel is marked “SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN.” ahead of the rear sight, with “J.P. LOWER” in authentic letters and “CALIBRE 40” behind the rear sight. There are two additional filler block dove tails, one about 3 1/2″ ahead of the present rear sight and one immediately behind the “40″ marking. Other than the serial number on the upper tang there are no other markings. J. P. Lower was one of Sharps largest western states distributors in Denver, Colorado. The serial number is correctly marked with 6 numbers because the “C” prefix was dropped after serial number C54800. Sights are a low profile dovetail blade front sight and Lawrence patent marked folding leaf rear sight graduated to 800 yards. The barrel was blue with casehardened remaining parts. The rifle is equipped with adjustable double set triggers which are true to the letter and mounted with a smooth high gloss oil finished walnut forearm -true to the letter with a poured pewter forend which is also true to the letter and straight grip stock and steel style buttplate. This beautiful sporting Sharps rifle comes compete with 5 3/8″ X 3 1/2″ J. P. Lower advertisement.

CONDITION: Fine as partially restored. The barrel has a smooth attractive brown patina with strong traces of the original blue finish in the protected areas and most of the original thinning blue remains under the forearm. The serial number on the barrel struck and renumbered to match. The left side of the receiver shows much of the faded original case colors, with some of the casehardening pattern remaining on the right side. The lock shows strong crisp and clear markings. The bore is in 95% condition with very light pitting, but the rifling is sharp and well defined for the entire length. The forearm has a 4″ longitudinal crack which will be easy to repair. This fine Sharps rifle has survived 136 years and the rigors of time in excellent mechanical condition and carries a top value of $6,500.00…$4,995.00. 

SOLD ON LAYAWAY! Thank you Linda.

The factory letter created from Richard J. Labowskie’s Sharps order book number 3 discribes this fine rifle just as it left the factory August 17, 1876 and was shipped to John P. Lower in Denver, Colorado.

 

 

Sharps New Model 1863 Rifle

SOLD!