Page 103 - 4095-BOOK3

LOT 3102
Well Documented “Frontier Issued” H. Schroeder Heavy
Barrel Buffalo Rifle Conversion of a Spencer Model 1860 Repeating Carbine Pictured
in “Spencer Repeating Firearms” by Marcot - Serial no. 44950, 44 cal., 29 3/8 inch octagon
bbl., bright/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Originally manufactured during the Civil War, this
Model 1860 Spencer was subsequently converted to a heavy barrel “buffalo
rifle” by H. Schroeder shortly after the Civil War. This specific rifle is pictured
on p. 152 of “Spencer Repeating Firearms” by Roy Marcot. The gunsmith is believed to be Hermann Schroeder of Indiana,
who was later involved in the design of a needle fire carbine that was trialed by the U.S. government but never adopted.
These Spencer conversions were highly valued in the American West as a design that had proved its mettle during the Civil
War and an alternative to the expensive Henry and Winchester repeaters of the period. The top flat of the barrel is marked
“H.SCHROEDER”, while the typical markings on top of the breech of the action have been removed by a dovetail that is
now filled, and the serial number is on the upper rear of the action. There is an “M” inspection mark on the left of the action. The barrel is fitted with a brass blade front sight and an
elevation adjustable notch rear sight. The saddle ring bar on the left was removed at the time of conversion. It is mounted with a smooth forearm, which appears to be the original
military pattern with the band and band spring removed, and the original straight grip stock with filled sling swivel inlet and military pattern buttplate.
CONDITION: Good, showing primarily a bright grey patina with some darker freckled oxidation and patches of pitting, typical of a rifle that saw significant use in the harsh elements
of the frontier. The wood is also good, carrying the scars of the American West in the form of minor cracks, dings, and chips. Mechanically functions. A solid example of a documented
“buffalo rifle” converted Civil War Spencer carbine!
Provenance: The George Carr Collection; A Private Collection.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,750
LOT 3103
“Frontier Issued” Smith & Wesson No. 3
Russian Second Model Single Action “Belly Gun” Revolver
with Ivory Grips - Serial no. 6364, 44 S&W Russian cal., 3 1/2
inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, ivory grips. Manufactured c. 1873
to 1878, it appears that this revolver was originally one of 5,000 produced
which were slated for the Japanese government contract before making its
way to the commercial marking and period modified for frontier use. Though
never as prolific in the American West as the Colt Single Action Army, the Smith &
Wesson No. 3 was a highly respected frontier sidearm, with well-known characters such
as “Buffalo Bill” Cody and Wyatt Earp carrying the American Model and Pat Garrett being known to
have carried a Russian Model like this one. This particular example had its barrel shortened during the
period of use to make it easier to conceal and handle, a configuration often referred to as a “belly gun”.
This particular example certainly shows the look of having spent time in the American West as a trusted sidearm. The top
of the barrel has the partial one line address and patent date, ending with the 1871 “reissue” date. The serial number is on
the butt along with “1874”, and the matching serial number is on the rear face of the cylinder and bottom of the barrel
latch. The barrel was shortened to 3 1/2 inches during the period of use and is fitted with a non-factory blade front sight
which is in a dovetail on the rib, while it has the standard notch rear sight on top of the barrel latch. It was also fitted with
a pair of smooth ivory grips during the period of use.
CONDITION: Good as period modified, showing grey patina overall with some scattered light pitting, embodying all
the character of a frontier sidearm. There is a screw absent from the sideplate on the left. The grips are weathered and
cracked, proudly wearing the scars of the harsh environment of the American West. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 3104
Attractive Unmarked Bowie Knife with Carved Bone Handle and Sheath - There
are no visible markings on the knife or sheath. 11 3/4 inches overall with a 7 1/2 inch clip
point blade. Straight decorative guard with finials and a carved bone handle with grasping
grooves, grooved steel pommel and band near the top of the grip. The leather sheath has an
attached belt loop and hide tassels.
CONDITION: Very good, the blade showing mostly a bright grey patina with some scattered
patches of light pitting and evidence of light cleaning/sharpening. The guard and metal of
the handle show a slightly darker grey patina with the grip having a few hairline age cracks
and some light wear. The sheath is fine with some moderate wear/age cracking on the belt
loop but otherwise generally mild wear.
Estimate: 1,100 - 1,600
As pictured & described in Spencer
Repeating Firearms by Marcot
LOT 3101
“Frontier Issued”
Sharps Model 1874
Sporting Rifle with
Scope - Serial no.
1725, 38-55 WCF cal.,
25 5/8 inch octagon bbl., brown finish, walnut stock. Sharps reportedly manufactured approximately
6,400 Model 1874 sporting rifles in a variety of configurations between 1871 and 1880 according to production figures listed on page 218 of
“Sharps Firearms” by Sellers. Sharps Model 1874 rifles were highly valued arms on the frontier, not only due to their firepower but also their long range
accuracy. This Sharps rifle has the “been there done that” look and was likely a trusty rifle that saw plenty of time out on the open plains. It is fitted with a
period replacement octagon barrel that has no visible outer markings and was found to properly chamber .38-55 WCF and has a brass tube scope mounted in
the dovetail slot at the front of the barrel (no iron front sight) and in a raised rear dovetailed base on top of the receiver tang, with an elevation adjustable buckhorn notch rear sight on the
barrel, and two sets of filled in holes on top of the barrel. The left side of the receiver is marked with the two-line Sharps patent date. “1725” visible on the receiver tang concealed below the rear
scope mounting block (a digit or two may be cut off by the threaded scope mounting holes), what appears to be a partly stamped off center “11” on the bottom of the barrel, and “1492” on the inside of
the forearm channel. Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a checkered steel buttplate.
CONDITION: Good as frontier issued, exhibiting a brown patina on the iron with some pitting, and plenty of western character. Wood is fair with and old coat of oil, with general frontier dents and scratches.
Mechanically functions. Scope is very good, loosely seated on the rifle mounts, with clear optics.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
101