Antique Rifles & Shotguns

 

Rare Spencer Model 1860 Sporting Rifle With A “J. H. Johnston” Marked Custom Barrel

(241P) The serial number is 52432 and the barrel mics at 45 caliber. 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″ custom barrel marked “CAST STEEL” on the upper left rear flat and J. H. JOHNSTON/GREAT WESTERN GUNWORKS PITTSBURGH, PA.” on the top flat. Both markings read from breech to muzzle which was a traditional mark of J. H. Johnston who was a famous custom gunsmith who lived from  1811 to 1889 and then passed the Great Western Gunwork’s on to his son, Thames H., who stayed in business until his death in  1916.  The top of the frame is marked with the standard three line address, patent date and serial number which is marked on the upper rear of the frame.  The “mint bore” barrel gauges at 45 caliber with 6 grooves and is equipped with a dovetailed brass blade front and fixed  notch rear sight and a sling swivel base on the lower flat ahead of the forearm.  Blue barrel and casehardened remaining parts and mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent iron buttplate and sling swivel base.

CONDITION: Overall condition is “very good.”  the metal surfaces have a smooth mottled gray patina with a couple of areas of light spotting.   The wood is good as period varnished with scattered minor dings, dents and scratches.  The receiver markings are fading a bit and the barrel markings are clear.  This fine match grade Spencer is mechanically fine and has a mint bore.   
   

$4250.00

 

Burnside Rifle Co. Model 1865 Spencer Repeating Carbine with Desirable Colorado Territory Cartouche

(238P) Serial #14836, 50 Spencer cal. 20″ round bbl, blue/casehardened finish and walnut stock.  34,000 Burnside Rifle Co. Model 1865 Spencer carbines were manufactured beginning late in the Civil War and first delivered early in the post-war era.   Nearly all were used to fulfill U. S. Government contracts.  This is one of 19,000 fitted with a Stabler cut-off and it has the standard markings and features other than the “U.S./ COL. TER” on the left side of the butt which indicates it is one of 500 Spencer Carbines transferred by the Ordnance Dept. to the Colorado Territory on October 16, 1868.  Colorado became a state on August 1, 1876.  Spencer’s were one of the most advanced firearms of the Civil War and continued to see use by the U.S. Army, Native American groups and settlers in the West in the late 19th century.  

CONDITION:  Very good with traces of original finish primarily mottled brown patina and mild oxidation, moderate scraped and dents on the wood and lightly visible inspector’s cartouches.  The bore is good and several heavy pits.  The Colorado Territory mark is deep and fins.  Mechanically fine. 

$4,500.00

 

Excellent U. S. Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle

(234P)Serial #470311, 45-70 Government caliber, 23 5/8″ round barrel, blue/color casehardened finish, walnut stock with “1889” dated cartouche and standard markings and features.  These late production trapdoors would have mainly seen use as secondary weapons in the Spanish-American war and Philippine Insurrection.  Only a few trapdoors, like this one, show little signs of use and this one is exceptional.  I doubt you will ever see one in this beautiful condition.

CONDITION:  Excellent overall with 95% original blue and case hardened finish and some light handling and storage marks on the excellent stock.  Cartouche is excellent and sharply marked.  Mechanically excellent and the bore is pristine!             $3,195.00

 

  

Shiloh Rifle Mfg. Hartford Shiloh Sharps Model 1874 Single Shot Falling Block Rifle If You Want The High Quality Modern 1874 Sharps Like the Original Listed Above

(232) Serial #B1824 , 45 2 1/10 (45-70) caliber, 28″ half  octagon half round barrel, blue/casehardened finish and exhibition grade American black walnut stock.  Nickel silver Rocky Mountain blade front sight and combination adjustable ladder and semi buckhorn notch rear sight.  The barrel has standard markings with a Hartford collar.  The action is beautifully color case hardened with a checkered hammer spur and double set triggers.  The straight stock and forearm and expertly checkered in 1874 Sharps style.  The forearm has a traditional poured pewter forend cap and the straight butt stock has a raised cheekpiece.  The buttplate is a traditional Sharps color cased crescent style.

 

Condition:  Excellent overall with 98% original finish remaining with some light handling marks, vibrant case colors and some light sporting visible on the lock plate and rear sight base.  The presentation grade wood is also excellent.  This magnificent piece in mechanically excellent and would be a wonderful compliment to the original Hartford Sharps listed above. 

$3,295.00

 

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

(224P)  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 Ctaostner’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, newspaper articles about Curtin’s involvement 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 the 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 tang.  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 notable, historic rifle comes complete in a custom wooden case with brass hardware.

CONDITIONExcellent!  The barrel retains 95% original blue finish with some thinning on the muzzle end.  With the exception of the buttplate, the remaining 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….$6,550.00 including three 20 round boxes of Black Hill ammunition.

         Sharps New Model 1863 Cartridge Conversion Saddle Ring Carbine

(222P) This “very fine” NRA “very good” Sharps 1863, serial #44525 in caliber 50-70 U. S. Govt. with a 22″ round barrel, blue/casehardened finish and walnut stock is a real beauty.  Many of the Sharps rifles started their life as percussion arms carried by cavalrymen, survived the devastation of the Civil War and saw use well into the late 19th century and even early 20th century during the settlement of the West and the related Indian Wars.  This carbine was manufactured in 1863 – 1865 as a percussion carbine for use in the Civil War and was one of 31,098 Sharps carbines and 1,086 rifles converted by Sharps for the U. S. government to fire the new 50-70 cartridge in the late 1860’s.  This example has the 3 grooved lined barrel, Lawrence patented folding ladder rear sight graduated to 800 yards, “NEW MODEL 1863” barrel (limited traces), saddle ring, Lawrence and Sharps patent markings on the lock plate and Sharps patent marking on the frame (traces).  The stock has an “EF” cartouche (clear) on the left side of the wrist and a David F. Clark cartouche (faint) on the left side of the buttstock.

CONDITION: Very fine (NRA Excellent).  The barrel retains 98%+ of the arsenal rust blue finish. The remaining surfaces retain 95%+ of the vivid case colors.  The wood is fine with a few minor pressure dents and scratches.  The condition of the fine 1863 is the best you will ever see in a 15+ year old firearm that has see so much American history.  This excellent, historical Sharps is mechanically excellent. 

 

$4,750.00

 

Sharps 1863 New Model Cartridge Conversion Saddle Ring Carbine

SOLD!

(223P)  Serial #60182, 50-70 U. S. Govt. caliber, 22 inch round barrel, blue casehardened finish and walnut stock.   This carbine is one of 31,098+ Sharps new Model carbines converted for 50-70  centerfire ammunition in the late 1860’s with a three groove barrel.  Many had previously seen hard use in the Civil War.  They were refinished and had parts replaced as needed during the arsenal/factory conversion process.  This example appears to have seen little, if any, use after the conversion and has been excellently cared for.  It has the standard features and markings, including  an “DFC” ribbon cartouche on the left side of the smooth walnut stock.  The buttplate is the  iron type not cut for a patch box lid.  Some of these conversion carbines were used by he U. S. Cavalry  during the late 19th century Indian Wars prior to fielding the Springfield trapdoor.  They were also used by Native American scouts and warriors.

CONDITION:  Very fine (NRA very good) with 75%+ of the arsenal refurbished blue finish remaining on the barrel and patches of vibrant case colors are visible under a brown patina and oil staining on the remaining parts.  There are small marks and scratches throughout and some limited light spotting.  The wood is also very fine and has some minor dings and a crisp cartouche.  Some of the other markings are faint. This beautiful piece of American history is mechanically excellent.

SOLD $3,200.00  SOLD

 

 

1874 Shiloh Sharps 45-70

(212P) Shiloh Rifle Mfg. Co. serial # B2271 Model 1874 Single Shot Falling Block Saddle Rifle with Shipping Crate This beautiful Shiloh Sharps is in popular 45-70 caliber with a 28″ octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish and exhibition grade walnut stock. This is a reproduction of the Sharps Model 1874 single shot rifle manufactured by the Shiloh Rifle Co. in Big Timber Montana.  The top of the barrel is marked “SHILOH – SHARPS 1874″ AND CALIBRE 45 – 2 1/10” at the breech.  The left side of the receiver is marked “SHILOH RIFLE MFG. CO/BIG TIMBER, MONTANA” Globe style front sight with aperture insert, buckhorn with an adjustable ladder rear sight with a tang mounted mid-range Vernier peep sight adjustable for elevation.  Blue barrel with casehardened receiver, lever and hammer.  Adjustable double set triggers and fitted with extra upgraded walnut fancy forearm with polished pewter end cap and straight grip stock with a cheek-piece and checkered plastic shotgun buttplate.  Complete with a shipping wood box numbered to the gun, copies of work order, a1994 Shiloh catalog and 12 extra aperture inserts for the front sight. 

CONDITION:  Excellent! The barrel retains 99% of the original soft matte original finish with only slight handling marks.  The receiver retains 98% of the original case colors with a few light scratches.  The wood is very fine with a few minor scratches.  The crate is good with handling wear.  This exhibition grade Sharps is mechanically excellent!

$3,995.00

Excellent Smith’s Patent Percussion Breech Loading Civil War Carbine

(185P) Serial #19596, 50 percussion caliber, 21 5/8″ bbl., part octagon and part round barrel, blue color case hardened finish and walnut stock.  This Smith carbine was manufactured by the Massachusetts Arms Co., in Chicopee Falls, Ma. and was one of the most important Federal Cavalry carbines.  Designed by Gilbert Smith, the production of this breech loading percussion carbine was almost entirely consumed by government contracts with limited numbers going to the civilian market.  A total of 30,362 Smith carbines were purchased by the United States during the Civil War.  Smith carbines were considered to be accurate and reliable weapons.  Standard three sets of markings on the left side of the Frame “MANUFACTURED BY /MASS ARMS CO./CHICOPEE FALLS” agents’ names, ADDRESS/POULTNEY AND TRIMBLE/BALTIMORE U.S.A.” and “SMITH’S PATENT/JUNE 23, 1857”.  The left barrel flat near the receiver is marked with a small “N” and “M/P”.  Matching serial number on the receiver and barrel.   Dovetail brass blade front sight and folding leaf rear sight absent of yard markings.  Blue barrel and trigger guard, niter blue barrel latch and casehardened  remaining parts.  Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip walnut stock with a steel carbine butt-plate.  There are two sharp “JM boxed cartouches on the left wrist.

 

CONDITIONExcellent and fine.  The barrel bore is mint.  The exterior barrel has 90% blue with the balance a smooth plum patina.  The trigger guard retains 95% of the thin original blue finish with a smooth gray patina on the balance.  The barrel latch retains 20% original bright niter blue finish with a smooth gray patina on the balance.  The hammer retains most of the original darkened case colors and 95% original vivid case colors remain on the receiver which also shows residue from a protective coat of varnish.  The receiver hinge screw head is a bit marred.  The wood is also excellent and very fine with a small gouge on the bottom of the forearm and some scattered minor dents and scratches.  As noted above the cartouches are sharp.  The markings are crisp and clear.  The barrel hinge is a bit stiff, otherwise the action is fine. 

$2,980.00

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 butt-plate.  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 butt-plate 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 butt-plate 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

 

CIVIL WAR BURNSIDE FIFTH MODEL PERCUSSION SADDLE RING CARBINE

(187P) Serial # 19180, 54 caliber percussion caliber, 21″ round barrel, blue/casehardened finish and a walnut stock.  Manufactured 1863-1865.  This fifth model carbine has the distinctive guide screw in the right side of the receiver.  The top of the receiver is marked “BURNSIDE PATENT/MODEL OF 1864” and “CAST STEEL 188?” (partially visible) ahead of the rear sight.  There are “P’, “M” and “R” inspection mark on various parts .  Matching serial numbers.  Pinched blade front sight and two leaf rear sight with graduations to 500 yards.  A sling bar and ring are mounted on the left side of the receiver.  The barrel had a dull military blue finish, the breech block, lever and receiver tangs niter blue, and the remaining parts are color case hardened.  Mounted with smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with two sharp boxed cartouches on the left wrist and small inspection stamp on the comb just ahead of the buttplate tang and on the bottom of the forearm.

CONDITION:  Excellent/fine.  The barrel retains 40% of the original blue with the saddle ring bar, lever lower tang and part of the upper tang being pitted.  The breechblock retains almost all of the bright original blue finish with a small amount of minor oxidation.  The receiver, lock and hammer retain 70% original slightly faded case colors.  The butt-plate has a smooth mottled brown and gray patina.  The wood is also fine with a couple of minor gouges and scattered minor dings and scratches.  Unless noted above, the markings are clear.  The action is excellent.

 $2,800.00

 

 

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 forearm with a straight grip butt stock and smooth, color cased half crescent 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. 
 

Scarce Early Production U.S. Springfield Trapdoor

 

(188P) Springfield Model 1879 Trapdoor Rifle with Rare Erskine S. Allin Cartouche – serial #111104, 45-70 Caliber, 32 5/8″ round barrel, blue finish and walnut stock. 

This is an early production U.S. Springfield Model 1879 Trapdoor rifle manufactured in 1879.  The left stock wridst is marked with the oval script cartouche “ESA/1879” of Erskine S. Allin.  Allin was the first and best known Chief inspector at Springfield Armory from 1873 to 1893.  Allin was also the inventor of the Allin system breech action and a master Armorer at Springfield Armory.  Allin died on September 11, 1879.  According to the consignors research this rifle is ONE OF ONLY THREE known to exist with the “ESA.1879 cartouche on the stock.  Blade front sight and ski-slope rear sight graduated to 1,200 yards and marked with an “R” on the upper left side of the ladder and left side of the base  The barrel has the standard “V/P/EAGLE” head inspection marks.  Casehardened low arch breechblock marked “U.S./MODEL/1873”  and the lock plate is marked “U.S./SPRINGFIELD” next  to an eagle/shield motif ahead of the hammer,  Smooth trigger, two piece trigger guard, three click tumbler and mounted with smooth straight grip stock with two barrel bands, oval “ESA/1879” cartouche on the left wrist and a small unreadable letter and circled script “P” behind the lower tang and smooth “US” marked butt-plate and sling-swivels.  The top of the comb directly ahead of the butt-plate tang is stamped “21” with the correct iron cleaning rod with a small button tip and cleaning patch slot.

 

CONDITION:  Excellent/Fine retaining 85%+ original blue finish with scattered areas of smooth brown patina.  The barrel bands are a mix of original blue finish and smooth gray patina.  The breechblock retains 40% original case colors, brightest on the inside, with a smooth gray patina on the balance.  The stock has been lightly sanded and cleaned and remains very good with a couple of minor gouges on the left side of the butt stick and overall some minor dings and dents.  The markings are crisp and clear.  The action is excellent.  This very nice Springfield Model 1879 Trapdoor rifle with an extremely rare “ESA/1879” cartouche will add to any Trapdoor collection.

  $3,225.00

 

 

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/Pproof-marks, 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.  Mounted with a one piece straight grip half stock with a single barrel band, saddle ring and bar mounted on the left side and a half crescent steel butt-plate 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 participating 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 Costner’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, newspaper 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.

CONDITIONExcellent!  The barrel retains 95% original blue finish with some thinning on the muzzle end.  With the exception of the butt-plate, the remaining parts retain 98% original case colors and the butt-plate 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….$7,495.00 including three 20 round boxes of Black Hills ammunition.

                                                 

 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.

al 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 very good with some minor pitting at the throat, and little to no pitting in the rest of the barrel.  The rifling is clear and sharp.  The external markings are clear and this fine piece of American history is mechanically excellent…$2,850.00.  SOLD

 

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 Model 1877, 45-70 caliber 

(127P) 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.

Note:  Only 100 of these unique match grade Sharps rifles were made and today, very few have survived.

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. The full cock notch and half cock notch on the lock tumbler was broken so I had a new custom tumbler made which now puts this fine old rare Sharps in perfect mechanical working order. Top estimated value of this rare Sharps is $7,000.00$5,200.00. 

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.

 

 

Italian Made New Ithaca Side By Side 28 Gauge Shotgun

(1367P)Italian Made New Ithaca Double (NID) Grade 4E Side By Side 28 Gauge Shotgun – Serial #470138, 28 Gauge, 28″ solid ribbed barrel, walnut stock. Solid rib barrels with a brass front sight bead. Choked modified and improved cylinder 2 3/4″ chambers. Left barrel marked “ARMI BESHI, CORDONE V. T. ITALY“. Typical Ithaca style floral engraved action with field scenes including a Pheasant on the right side, duck on the left and woodcock on the bottom. Double triggers, tang safety. Triple-X-fancy American black walnut, English style straight grip stock with multi point checkering, gold initial oval inlay and a solid thin recoil pad. Semi beavertail forearm with an ebony tip inlay. Length of pull is 15 1/2″ with drops of 1 1/2″ at the comb and 1 1/2″ at the heel.

CONDITION: Near new in an “ARMITALIA DI ‘LUCCHINI’” marked box. The blued barrels and exquisite color cased action are like new. Some of the Hard-chrome in the chambers appears to be chipping, but I entend to make that repair if needed.  This is a truly beautiful example of Italian shotgun art in “hard to find” 28 gauge with a top value of around $6,500….$4,995.00

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

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 butt-plate 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.

 

 

 

 

Shiloh Sharps Model 1874 in 45-70 Caliber

30. Shiloh Sharps Model 1874 Long Range Single Shot Quigley style rifle made around 1993 – Serial # B1649, barrel caliber marking is stamped “45 Caliber 21/10″ which is the Shiloh marking for “45-70″ caliber, beautifully machined 34 inch half octagon half round barrel, blue/color case hardened finish and a exceptionally figured walnut stock. This rifle is a reproduction of the Sharps 1874 single shot rifle manufactured by the Shiloh Rifle Company in Big Timber, Montana. Standard markings include “45 caliber 21/10.” The rifle is equipped with a globe bead front sight and tang mounted rear sight, adjustable double set triggers (an expensive option), checkered forearm with a poured pewter forend tip and pistol grip stock with a checkered plastic buttplate. The half round, half octagon (another expensive option) barrel is blue and the remaining parts color case hardened. The Big Timber Shiloh Sharps have been one of the most sought after American rifles ever made. The wait time for these fine custom rifles is two years or more.
CONDITION: NRA Excellent and possibly unfired! The barrel retains 99% original blue finish with a few minor scuffs. The remaining parts retain 100% of the original case colors and the fancy grade walnut wood is near mint. It appears this rifle was a custom order and possibly made for a man who dreamed about participated in long range single shot competition, but never got around to it. He, like me, just wanted to touch the best. This rifle is mechanically excellent and in my forty years of gunsmithing I have not seen anything radiate quality like this rifle. I had Shiloh price this rifle out at between $3,500 and $3,800…$2,995.00.

 SOLD!
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. $4,800.00.

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.

If interested please call and we can talk.

SOLD!

                

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Sharps New Model 1863 Rifle: Serial #38415; .52 caliber single shot percussion rifle; 30″ barrel; blue and case hardened finish and cartouche wood stocks.   Refer to Flayderman 5F025.  The barrel retains approximately 80 to 90% original blue, evenly thinning and toning with some slight drifting at the edges, some minor erosion and pinprick pitting, a few spots and stains just starting.  The barrel address and New Model markings are sharp and clear.   The action and lock show traces of case hardening and light cleaning, long ago going back to patina.  The stocks are very good plus to near fine with three sharp cartouches on the left to wrist, just above the trigger.  The stock shows a few scratches, minor bumps and mars plus the stock toe has a hairline crack running from the where the butt plate screw is to about 3″ forward to the bottom of the stock. The crack does not appear to be stress related and could be easily repaired by a professional.  The patchbox opens and closed with a snappy motion and shows 50% to 60% case hardening, as does the buttplate.  There is is an AWH inspection on the wood, just in front of the buttplate and the barrel shows MNM inspection and other small M, G, and P inspections.  The small parts and screws show bright original blue, the action is crisp, the bore near excellent (Internally, the barrel is, bright and shiny with very light pin prick pittingin a few places.)  Original sights, bands and small parts retain 95% original color.  The primer mechanism is fully intact.  This is a rare, crisp and completely original Civil War era Sharps with exceptional wood. It has a Blue Book maximum estimated value of $4,000….will sell for $3,650.00.

                 

 
 

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