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LOT 3547
Engraved J. A. Clerke/
Sharps .30-40 Krag
1878 Borchardt Single
Shot Rifle with Scope -
NSN, 30-40 Krag cal.,
30 3/4 inch round bbl.,
bright/casehardened
finish, highly figured
relief carved walnut
stock. Originally
manufactured between
1878 and 1881 before
being subsequently custom built into the current configuration by
gunsmith J. A. (Bo) Clerke later in the 20th Century. The rifle is built with a
bright steel barrel featuring dual scope blocks holding a J. W. Fecker scope,
“J. A. CLERKE” marked on the left of the chamber area, and the caliber “30-40
KRAG” marked on the right. The barrel is fitted to the casehardened Sharps
1878 Borchardt action which displays attractive flowing Acanthus scroll engraving with a bison on the top side, and extending
to the lever and both tangs. The upper tang has two empty drilled and tapped holes, presumably for a tang sight (not included).
The rifle is fitted with a beautifully figured French walnut, deeply carved and checkered forend with “CLERKE/FREE FOR A BLAST” in
banners over a crest with “AMAT VICTORIA CURAM” (victory loves preparation) below as well as a pistol grip stock
with monogram carved in the end of the grip, raised cheekpiece, and an engraved blued steel buttplate.
CONDITION: Very fine as elaborately custom embellished overall, showing some discoloration on the bright barrel,
vivid case colors on the action, and sharp carving and checkering on the exceptionally fine custom stock and forend.
Mechanically excellent. The scope optics are bright and clear.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 3546
Master Robert “Bob” Swartley
Signed and Game Scene Engraved
Sharps/Lloyd Chiswick 1878
Borchardt Single Shot Rifle with
Case - Serial no. 17603, 50-140
cal., 30 inch octagon bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock.
Built on an Sharps 1878 Borchardt
Rifle by renowned contemporary maker Lloyd Chiswick. The
rifle is fitted with Freund patent of June 29, 1880, front and rear sights, “Old
Reliable” and “SHARPS RIFLE Co. BRIDGEPORT, CONN.” marked on the top flat ahead of the rear sight, along with
“FREUND’S/PATENT/JUNE 26/1880/DURANGO/COLO” behind the rear sight. The barrel is fitted to the casehardened action
which displays light scroll engraving at the borders with two game scenes depicting a pair of bison on the right and a single bison
fighting off a pair of wolves on the left. The engraving is signed on the underside of the action “R. SWARTLEY” for highly regarded
American Master Engraver Robert “Bob” Swartley. The upper tang is fitted with a long range folding ladder peep sight. The rifle is fitted
with a beautifully figured California English walnut multi-point checkered forend with horn tip and a Creedmoor style pistol grip stock
with horn inlay in the grip, shadowline cheekpiece, and a checkered blued steel buttplate. Included with the rifle is a fitted oak takedown case
with Freund & Bro. plaque on the lid, oiler, and cleaning tools, as well as a set of 50-140 Sharps dies.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine as masterfully built, retaining 99% blue and casehardened finishes with minor handling evidence and sharp checkering on
the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine.
Estimate: 11,000 - 16,000