RARE DODGE CITY SHIPPED SHARPS MODEL 1874 BUFFALO RIFLE.

RARE DODGE CITY SHIPPED SHARPS MODEL 1874 BUFFALO RIFLE. SN C53160. Cal. Appears to be 44-77. Genuine & very rare buffalo rifle with 30″ medium weight oct bbl (just under 12 lbs.) It has a homemade front sight blade in orig base & a Lawrence Patent ladder rear sight missing slide. Top flat has the Sharps Rifle Co. Hartford address just forward of rear sight & “CALIBRE 44″ diagonally on top flat over chamber. The chamber end of bbl has a stepped rnd transition between receiver & oct section and has single trigger. Mounted with straight grain uncheckered American walnut with pewter forend cap & straight stock with smooth steel military buttplate. Bottom tang is missing the lever lock. Accompanied by a Sharps Rifle Co. letter from Dr. Dick Labowski wherein he identifies this rifle as being listed in Order Book #1 as an 1874 sporting rifle invoiced on Dec. 3, 1874 to F.C. Zimmerman, the gun & general merchandise dealer of Dodge City, Kansas. He states that it is listed as 44 caliber with case length not specified with 30” oct bbl, dbl set triggers & weight not listed. He further states that the price was $42.00 less discount which indicates “that it was a gun of standard weight, i.e., 12 lbs. or less. The letter also states that this rifle was among five rifles shipped to Zimmerman on this date, three of which were in 44 caliber along with other parts & accessories. Dr. Labowskie stated that although the Kansas buffalo hunt had ended in late 1873, the Zimmerman Co. continued supplying the Texas hunters through the 1875-1877 period. His trade was gradually replaced by the dealers at Fort Griffin, Texas and elsewhere. He also states that it is unlikely this rifle has ever been lettered in the 40+ years that this service has been available. CONDITION: Fair to good. No orig finish remains being a mottled silver/brown patina over bbl & lever. Receiver, lockplate, hammer, lower tang & buttplate are a darker brown patina. Top tang is cracked through the front screwhole. Forearm is missing a long sliver on left side and shows very heavy saddle bow wear on bottom. Stock has a grain check by the comb & several others over the butt and exhibits a very hard worn hand polished patina. Mechanics are fine, very worn dark bore. 4-35342 JR497 (12,500-17,500)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2009

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
	2541	$0.00	RARE DODGE CITY SHIPPED SHARPS MODEL 1874 BUFFALO RIFLE. SN C53160. Cal. Appears to be 44-77. Genuine & very rare buffalo rifle with 30″ medium weight oct bbl (just under 12 lbs.) It has a homemade front sight blade in orig base & a Lawrence Patent ladder rear sight missing slide. Top flat has the Sharps Rifle Co. Hartford address just forward of rear sight & “CALIBRE 44″ diagonally on top flat over chamber. The chamber end of bbl has a stepped rnd transition between receiver & oct section and has single trigger. Mounted with straight grain uncheckered American walnut with pewter forend cap & straight stock with smooth steel military buttplate. Bottom tang is missing the lever lock. Accompanied by a Sharps Rifle Co. letter from Dr. Dick Labowski wherein he identifies this rifle as being listed in Order Book #1 as an 1874 sporting rifle invoiced on Dec. 3, 1874 to F.C. Zimmerman, the gun & general merchandise dealer of Dodge City, Kansas. He states that it is listed as 44 caliber with case length not specified with 30” oct bbl, dbl set triggers & weight not listed. He further states that the price was $42.00 less discount which indicates “that it was a gun of standard weight, i.e., 12 lbs. or less. The letter also states that this rifle was among five rifles shipped to Zimmerman on this date, three of which were in 44 caliber along with other parts & accessories. Dr. Labowskie stated that although the Kansas buffalo hunt had ended in late 1873, the Zimmerman Co. continued supplying the Texas hunters through the 1875-1877 period. His trade was gradually replaced by the dealers at Fort Griffin, Texas and elsewhere. He also states that it is unlikely this rifle has ever been lettered in the 40+ years that this service has been available. CONDITION: Fair to good. No orig finish remains being a mottled silver/brown patina over bbl & lever. Receiver, lockplate, hammer, lower tang & buttplate are a darker brown patina. Top tang is cracked through the front screwhole. Forearm is missing a long sliver on left side and shows very heavy saddle bow wear on bottom. Stock has a grain check by the comb & several others over the butt and exhibits a very hard worn hand polished patina. Mechanics are fine, very worn dark bore. 4-35342 JR497 (12,500-17,500) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2009 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.

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