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LOT 1053
Impressive Sharps Factory Conversion Heavy Barrel Sporting
Buffalo Rifle in .40-90 Sharps Necked - Serial no. C,20687, 40-90 Sharps cal., 30 3/8 inch
heavy octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This heavy barrel Sharps rifle shows all
the spirit of the American west and many of the features normally associated with the “buffalo rifles” used by
the commercial hunters of the period. These rifles were highly valued on the frontier for their reliability and long
range accuracy, both for commercial hunting and for protection. The frame was originally manufactured during the Civil War as a
military pattern New Model 1863 carbine, and was later returned and factory converted into a heavy barrel buffalo rifle chambered
for use with the .40-90 Sharps necked (2 5/8 inch case) cartridge at the Sharps Bridgeport plant sometime in the late 1860s-1870s for
commercial sale. The .40-90 Sharps necked cartridge provides plenty of stopping power for taking down buffalo on the plains, as this gun may have been
used for. The top of the heavy barrel has the boxed “Old Reliable” marking along with “SHARPS RIFLE CO BRIDGEPORT, CONN.”, with five-groove rifling, and
is fitted with a folding combination Beach front sight and period replacement Springfield Buffington pattern ladder rear sight. Walnut forearm affixed with
two screws, and carbine type buttstock.
CONDITION: Fine as factory converted to heavy barrel configuration, retains 85% original blue finish on the barrel with 40% plus vivid patterns of factory
refurbished case colors visible on the frame and components, with scattered mild surface freckling. The replacement rear sight has an absent section at
the bottom edge of the sight slide. Wood is very fine with attractive raised feathered grain, some scattered light dents and scratches, and defined edges.
Mechanically fine. This attractive heavy barrel Sharps “Buffalo Rifle” would make a fine addition to any western or antique American arms collection!
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 1056
Rare and Highly Desirable 50-Count Colt Single Action Army
Picture Box of .45 Long Colt Cartridges by United States
Cartridge Co. - The box is of cardboard construction with a yellow
label on the lid featuring black text and imagery. The labeling has
the manufacturer name, an image of the Colt Single Action Army
Revolver, and states that the cartridges are for “Colt’s new breech
loading army revolver, adopted by the United States Army for the
cavalry service” as well as that the shells can be reloaded many
times. The box has additional “SMOKELESS” stamps on the label
and on one side. A “5.00” price is hand written on the label. The box
contains the full compliment of cartridges, which all appear to be
“U.S.C.CO.” headstamped.
CONDITION: Very fine, the box itself shows some mild wear with
the label retaining most of the color as well as distinct text and
imagery, a minor crease in the label/lid, and some glue repair on
the edges of the lid. The factory seal remains unbroken on one
side. The cartridges show
attractively aged patina.
Provenance: The Charles
Marx Collection.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 1055
G. Woodhead Bowie Knife with
“Good As Gold” Etched Blade and
Pearl Accented Patriotic Motif
German Silver Hilt - George
Woodhead (c. 1808-1874)
was among the major English
cutlers to supply Bowie knives to
the American market prior to the
American Civil War during the California
Gold Rush. The firm became George
Woodhead & Sons in 1876. This clip-point Bowie
has a 9 3/8 by 1 1/4 inch blade with “GOOD AS GOLD” and scroll
etching on the left side and “G. WOODHEAD/16 HOWARD STREET/SHEFFIELD” on the left ricasso. The
German silver hilt features an eagle and shield motif at the center of the grip flanked by pearl accents.
The period handmade replacement brown leather scabbard has copper rivets.
CONDITION: Very good with attractive aged patina on the hilt, distinct etching and markings, light
pitting, and generally minor wear. The scabbard is also very good with mild wear.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 1054
Desirable Nickel Plated Antique Black
Powder Colt Single Action Army Revolver
- Serial no. 152973, 45 Long Colt cal., 5 1/ 2 inch
round bbl., nickel finish, horn grips. The Colt Single Action Army was one of the most popular
handguns in late 19th century and is easily the most iconic and most thoroughly associated with
the American West. Offered here is an early example of the legendary Peacemaker in .45 LC. In
the words of Colt author and expert David Brown, “The Colt Single Action Army .45 was ‘the soldier’s
friend’ throughout the remaining years of the Indian Wars in the West. Adopted also with equal enthusiasm
by civilians, it was the pet and the ‘good right arm’ of lawman and outlaw alike on every American frontier of
its era” (“The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army,” p. 70). This example has great Old West appeal right
down to the cow horn grips. Manufactured in 1893. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top and
“45 COLT” on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by an encircled
Rampant Colt. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 70% untouched original nickel finish with a smooth dark brown patina on the balance. The period non-
factory installed grips are very good with some insect damage and attractive color. Mechanically excellent. A cow horn stocked, nickel
plated black powder Colt Single Action Army revolver with great frontier appeal.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
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