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THBSharps Model 1874 Sporting Rifle
About Seller
6270 Este Ave.
Cincinnati , OH 45232
United States
With offices in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Denver, Cowan’s holds over 40 auctions each year, with annual sales exceeding $16M. We reach buyers around the globe, and take pride in our reputation for integrity, customer service and great results. A full-service house, Cowan’s Auctions specializes in Am...Read more
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Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
About Auction
LiveMay 3, 2017 - May 5, 2017
Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com
View Full Catalog (450)
- Lot Description
.40-70 caliber (Sharps 2.25" necked), 30" octagonal barrel, S/N 160865, accompanied by a "Factory Letter" from Richard Labowskie, MD . Blued and case hardened finish, straight gripped walnut stock with Schnabel fore-end. Top of barrel marked forward of the rear sight, OLD RELIABLE in a rectangular cartouche with angled edges, and SHARPS' RIFLE CO BRIDGEPORT CONN. The barrel is also marked J.P. LOWER and CALIBER 40 behind the rear sight. Caliber mark is an over-stamp and the factory letter explains this clearly. Right side of the barrel is marked at breech 2 1/4, indicating the chamber length of 2.25". Bottom of barrel is marked "6" and "11 / 16" (6 pounds, 11 ounces barrel weight) and with the matching serial number 160865, as is the interior of the fore-end. Left side of receiver marked in two lines: SHARPS' RIFLE CO / PAT. APR 6, 1869. Double set triggers, checkered steel buttplate. Un-graduated folding leaf rear sight with unmarked base, dove tailed front sight base, missing blade.
According to the accompanying letter this rifle was part of a shipment of 10 identical configuration sporting rifles shipped to J.P. Lower of Denver on September 30, 1878. The rifles in the order were to weigh approximately 11 pounds each (this one is listed at 11 pounds, 5 ounces), with 30" full octagonal barrels, open sights, double set triggers, oil finished stocks and to be .40 caliber without a specified case length.
According to the Sharps factory Order Book #8 this rifle had originally been shipped to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham of New York as part of an order of 60 sporting rifles on January 5, 1878, but was subsequently returned to the factory. This is probably the time when the gun was re-chambered and the caliber re-marked for shipment to Lower in Denver. Fewer Sharps rifles are more desirable than those from the period of western expansion during the late 1870s and early 1880s, with definitive proof of being shipped out west. This one is an exceptional example of a western used Sharps, with a very desirable retailer's mark, in a versatile caliber.
Very fine to near excellent. Barrel retains much of its blued finish, with some minor fading and dulling, with minimal loss, primarily high-edge wear at the corner of the flats, and some flecks of surface oxidation near the muzzle. Case hardened frame, lock, lever and hammer retain nearly all of their finish as well, but it has faded and dulled to a silver gray color with swirls of blues and browns, showing more vivid color on the left side of the receiver than on the right side and the lock. The majority of the small parts and screws retain most of their pale fire blued finish. Rifle is mechanically excellent with a fine, bright bore with minor pinpricking and some light frosting in the grooves. Stock fine, with some minor handling bumps and dings. Overall a really fine J.P. Lower-marked Sharps 1874 Rifle.Condition
- Shipping Info
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SHIPPING. At the request of the buyer, Cowan's will authorize the shipment of purchased items. Shipments usually occur within two weeks after payment has been received. Shipment is generally made via UPS Ground service. Unless buyer gives special instructions, the shipping method shall be at the sole discretion of Cowan's Auctions, Inc.. Cowan's is in no way responsible for the acts or omissions of independent handlers, packers or shippers of purchased items or for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of any property.
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