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LOT 3129
Highly Desirable Colorado Territory Shipped “Frontier Issued” Sharps Model 1874 “Big 50” Single Shot Heavy Barrel Buffalo
Rifle - Serial no. 155122, 50-70 U.S. Govt cal., 32 inch heavy octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1875, this is a desirable
example of a Sharps Model 1874 “buffalo” rifle, that is not only recorded as having shipped to Colorado, but also has the look of having frontier stories to tell.
Though never as widely celebrated as firearms such as the Winchester Model 1873 or the Colt Single Action Army, the Sharps Model 1874, without question, left
its mark on the American West. Just like the Colts and the Winchesters, these Sharps rifles were highly prized on the frontier, particularly for their immense power and deadly long range
accuracy. Their actions were incredibly robust, easily capable of handling the most powerful cartridges at the time, and being a single shot arm the parts were less complex, making for a more
durable and reliable weapon. For these reasons, the 1874, especially in large calibers like this “big 50”, were highly sought after for both hunting and self defense. These large caliber Model 1874 sporting
rifles played a very prominent role in the commercial hunting of the bison herds in the late 1870s and 1880s, with this particular example showing all the signs of having been the favored arm of a professional
hunter during the period. This rifle is listed in the factory ledgers on 10 September 1875, as a sporting rifle, in .50 caliber, with a 32 inch barrel, and weighing 13 lbs. when shipped to Chick, Brown & Co. of Granada,
Colorado Territory, which gained statehood about a year later. From around 1872 to about 1875, Granada was an “end-of-the-track” town for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, making it a hub in the region for those heading
farther west, ranchers, and bison hunters. This particular example is in the standard “sporting rifle” configuration, which was typical for a “no-frills” buffalo hunter. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line Hartford address,
where only 2,120 sporting rifles with octagon barrels were produced, and the caliber marking is at the breech. The left of the action is marked with the two-line Sharps patent date, while the serial number is on the upper tang and
the bottom of the barrel. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, a Lawrence patent folding ladder rear sight, and double set triggers. It is mounted with a smooth forearm having a pewter end cap and straight grip stock
that had the buttplate removed or lost during the period of use.
CONDITION: Good as an honest survivor of the trials of the American West, retaining strong traces of the original blue finish in sheltered areas with the balance a mottled brown and grey patina and some scattered patches of light
surface spotting. The weathered wood is a testament to the harsh environment of the frontier with cracks, chips, and scars, all with a story to tell. Mechanically excellent. This 150 year old Sharps Model 1874 “big 50” buffalo rifle is a
true time capsule and honest survivor of the western frontier!
Estimate: 9,000 - 14,000
LOT 3130
Desirable “Frontier Issued” A.J. Plate, San Francisco, California Marked Heavy Barrel Sporting Rifle Conversion of a Burnside Rifle
Co. Spencer Model 1865 Repeating Carbine - Serial no. 27504, 52 cal., 30 1/2 inch heavy octagon bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock.
Manufactured c. 1865, the action of this rifle was originally produced as one of 34,000 by the Burnside Rifle Co. intended for purchase by the U.S. government, 30,500
of which were actually purchased. Flayderman notes that the remaining 3,500 not purchased by the government were likely sold commercially, which presents a viable
explanation for this sporting configured rifle. These Spencer repeaters had just recently proved themselves very effective during the American Civil War and would have been an easy sell to any
veteran heading to the harsh frontier, particularly one that couldn’t afford a Henry or Winchester lever action. The top flat of the barrel is marked “A.J. PLATE SAN FRANCISCO CAL” indicating that this
was converted to this sporting configuration by the prolific California retailer for commercial sale. This particular example appears to have been originally produced as a military pattern saddle ring
carbine before being converted. The top of the receiver over the breech has the standard Burnside Rifle Co. Spencer Model 1865 markings and the serial number is on the upper rear of the receiver.
The heavy barrel is fitted with a brass blade front sight and notch rear sight, and it has also been fitted with a cleaning/ramrod under the barrel
and double set triggers. The saddle ring bar on the left was removed during the conversion. It is mounted with a smooth sporting type forearm
with a pewter end cap as well as what appears to be the original straight grip stock with sling swivel inlet filled and military pattern buttplate.
CONDITION: Good, showing a mix of plum-brown and grey patina with light pitting scattered throughout, typical of a rifle that survived the
harsh elements of the western frontier. The wood shows evidence of being maintained, typical of a rifle kept in service for many years, with
some minor cracks, chips, and dings. Mechanically functions with set trigger set. A desirable A.J. Plate conversion of a Spencer Civil War Carbine
for use on the frontier!
Estimate: 3,750 - 5,500
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