RARE CONVERSION SHARPS MODEL 1874 HEAVY SPORTING BUFFALO RIFLE THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.

SN C46090. Cal. .45 (45-120-550). Heavy buffalo rifle probably converted by Meecham, 15 lbs. 5.44 oz., with 30″ oct bbl, orig Sharps half nickel front sight and a Winchester 1876 marked ladder rear sight mated to the Sharps dovetail base. Tang sight appears to be a thick base Winchester Vernier sight with 4″ staff and top tang is drilled & topped for this sight. Top flat is marked with the “Old Reliable” cartouche & Bridgeport address. Chamber area of top flat is marked “.45 3 1/4”. The long trigger plate has double set triggers and lockplate & receiver usual Sharp markings. Left rear side of receiver has a plugged hole which is probably from having a sling bar removed. Mounted with very nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut with semi-schnable tipped forearm and straight stock with heavy crescent brass buttplate that is lead lined. When buttplate was removed, the hole under the buttplate has been enlarged and was filled with lead bullets & lead shot. The shot & bullets were removed. Front face of buttstock is numbered “52998” and toe of buttstock has an ebony inlay, probably an old repair from a broken toe. Bottom tang screw is replaced with a long wood screw which secures a homemade walnut grip. Close examination of the top tang disclosed that it has been rewelded through the front screw hole. And that screw is a replacement. The tang screw holes were added and the rear tang screw hole obliterated the last digit of the SN. Matching number is on bottom flat of bbl and inside the forearm. No other parts were observed to be numbered except stock, as noted. It is well-documented in several of Mr. Keith’s writings that he was a great promoter of single shot rifle hunting. Undoubtedly he would have used this rifle for hunting & long range shooting. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Bbl retains about 60-70% blue turning plum with a mottled chemical spotted appearance. Receiver retains traces of orig case colors, being mostly a silver/grey patina. Lockplate, hammer & trigger plate retain traces of case colors, being mostly a silver/brown patina. Buttstock, with the aforementioned repaired toe, has three or four small hairlines around upper tang & retains most of an old refinish. Forearm has a repaired crack at the left tip, otherwise is sound & shows 25-30% orig finish with the balance a handworn patina. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-47967 JR265 (8,000-13,000) – Lot 1065

Click here to view provenance

Auction: Firearms - March 2015

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1065	$6,900.00	RARE CONVERSION SHARPS MODEL 1874 HEAVY SPORTING BUFFALO RIFLE THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH. SN C46090. Cal. .45 (45-120-550). Heavy buffalo rifle probably converted by Meecham, 15 lbs. 5.44 oz., with 30″ oct bbl, orig Sharps half nickel front sight and a Winchester 1876 marked ladder rear sight mated to the Sharps dovetail base. Tang sight appears to be a thick base Winchester Vernier sight with 4″ staff and top tang is drilled & topped for this sight. Top flat is marked with the “Old Reliable” cartouche & Bridgeport address. Chamber area of top flat is marked “.45 3 1/4”. The long trigger plate has double set triggers and lockplate & receiver usual Sharp markings. Left rear side of receiver has a plugged hole which is probably from having a sling bar removed. Mounted with very nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut with semi-schnable tipped forearm and straight stock with heavy crescent brass buttplate that is lead lined. When buttplate was removed, the hole under the buttplate has been enlarged and was filled with lead bullets & lead shot. The shot & bullets were removed. Front face of buttstock is numbered “52998” and toe of buttstock has an ebony inlay, probably an old repair from a broken toe. Bottom tang screw is replaced with a long wood screw which secures a homemade walnut grip. Close examination of the top tang disclosed that it has been rewelded through the front screw hole. And that screw is a replacement. The tang screw holes were added and the rear tang screw hole obliterated the last digit of the SN. Matching number is on bottom flat of bbl and inside the forearm. No other parts were observed to be numbered except stock, as noted. It is well-documented in several of Mr. Keith’s writings that he was a great promoter of single shot rifle hunting. Undoubtedly he would have used this rifle for hunting & long range shooting. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Bbl retains about 60-70% blue turning plum with a mottled chemical spotted appearance. Receiver retains traces of orig case colors, being mostly a silver/grey patina. Lockplate, hammer & trigger plate retain traces of case colors, being mostly a silver/brown patina. Buttstock, with the aforementioned repaired toe, has three or four small hairlines around upper tang & retains most of an old refinish. Forearm has a repaired crack at the left tip, otherwise is sound & shows 25-30% orig finish with the balance a handworn patina. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-47967 JR265 (8,000-13,000) – Lot 1065 Click here to view provenance Auction: Firearms - March 2015 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

.red{fill:#B50938;} .white{fill:#FFFFFF;} .blue{fill:#005596;}

RARE CONVERSION SHARPS MODEL 1874 HEAVY SPORTING BUFFALO RIFLE THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.