RARE SHARPS MODEL 1874 NO. 2 LONG RANGE TARGET RIFLE.

RARE SHARPS MODEL 1874 NO. 2 LONG RANGE TARGET RIFLE. SN C154646. Cal. 44-77. Rare long range target rifle with 34″ oct bbl, windgage spirit level front sight, no provision for a rear bbl sight and has a long range vernier tang sight with the base numbered to rifle and with an additional sight base at heel of stock. It has a checkered trigger. Top flat of bbl has the Hartford address & caliber marking. Bottom flat, under forearm has serial number “154646” which matches receiver number. Inside forearm has the number “164646” which is readily apparent an assembly mistake. Inside toe of buttplate has the partial serial number. Further disassembly was not affected to check for additional matching parts. Mounted with very nicely figured, checkered American walnut with schnable tipped forearm and pistol grip stock with checkered grip cap and light checkered steel buttplate. Accompanied by a Sharps records letter from Dr. R.L. Moore which states that there is no record of the serial number of this rifle ever having been invoiced, it is a blank in the sales record. Letter further states “However, this exact gun was returned to the factory at Bridgeport, Connecticut, on March 30 and May 25, 1876. The reason for being returned is not noted but it did have a leather case and sights complete.” The next paragraph states “The owner of the gun when it was returned was a Dr. H.M. Shew of Middletown, Connecticut. It was noted as a Model 1874 Long Range #2.” Also accompanied by an orig Sharps brown leather covered, blue velvet lined sight case with gold embossed “MANUFACTURED BY / SHARPS RIFLE COMPANY / HARTFORD CONN.” inside the lid. Case is now empty but the sights that are on the rifle fit this case, with the exception of the spirit level front. PROVENANCE: Kiser Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine plus. Bbl retains about 93-95% strong, bright orig blue with a few spots of fine pitting on bottom flat & bottom left flat, probably from storage in an old sheepskin lined case. Receiver retains most of its orig factory case colors, somewhat faded and turned gray over the top, stronger and lighter on the sides. Lockplate & hammer retain 60-70% strong case colors with balance turned gray with some moderate to heavy pitting on inside edge of hammer. Lever retains about 50% case colors. Stock has a crack in pistol grip, otherwise wood is sound with minor nicks & scratches and some chips in varnish around wrist and retains most of its orig factory varnish with some heat crazing on buttstock. The crack is very easily & completely repairable by any competent stock maker. Mechanics are crisp, very bright shiny bore. Sight case is moderately soiled with some light edge wear and faded lining but completely sound and intact. 4-33675 JR177 (15,000-25,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2008

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
	1030	$21,275.00	RARE SHARPS MODEL 1874 NO. 2 LONG RANGE TARGET RIFLE. SN C154646. Cal. 44-77. Rare long range target rifle with 34″ oct bbl, windgage spirit level front sight, no provision for a rear bbl sight and has a long range vernier tang sight with the base numbered to rifle and with an additional sight base at heel of stock. It has a checkered trigger. Top flat of bbl has the Hartford address & caliber marking. Bottom flat, under forearm has serial number “154646” which matches receiver number. Inside forearm has the number “164646” which is readily apparent an assembly mistake. Inside toe of buttplate has the partial serial number. Further disassembly was not affected to check for additional matching parts. Mounted with very nicely figured, checkered American walnut with schnable tipped forearm and pistol grip stock with checkered grip cap and light checkered steel buttplate. Accompanied by a Sharps records letter from Dr. R.L. Moore which states that there is no record of the serial number of this rifle ever having been invoiced, it is a blank in the sales record. Letter further states “However, this exact gun was returned to the factory at Bridgeport, Connecticut, on March 30 and May 25, 1876. The reason for being returned is not noted but it did have a leather case and sights complete.” The next paragraph states “The owner of the gun when it was returned was a Dr. H.M. Shew of Middletown, Connecticut. It was noted as a Model 1874 Long Range #2.” Also accompanied by an orig Sharps brown leather covered, blue velvet lined sight case with gold embossed “MANUFACTURED BY / SHARPS RIFLE COMPANY / HARTFORD CONN.” inside the lid. Case is now empty but the sights that are on the rifle fit this case, with the exception of the spirit level front. PROVENANCE: Kiser Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine plus. Bbl retains about 93-95% strong, bright orig blue with a few spots of fine pitting on bottom flat & bottom left flat, probably from storage in an old sheepskin lined case. Receiver retains most of its orig factory case colors, somewhat faded and turned gray over the top, stronger and lighter on the sides. Lockplate & hammer retain 60-70% strong case colors with balance turned gray with some moderate to heavy pitting on inside edge of hammer. Lever retains about 50% case colors. Stock has a crack in pistol grip, otherwise wood is sound with minor nicks & scratches and some chips in varnish around wrist and retains most of its orig factory varnish with some heat crazing on buttstock. The crack is very easily & completely repairable by any competent stock maker. Mechanics are crisp, very bright shiny bore. Sight case is moderately soiled with some light edge wear and faded lining but completely sound and intact. 4-33675 JR177 (15,000-25,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2008 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;}