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LOT 3080 Exceptional Sharps Model 1874 Sporting Rifle - Serial
no. 156851, 40-70 Sharps cal., 30 inch octagon bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, checkered walnut stock. The Sharps Model
1874 was considered one of the best firearms of the late 19th century American
West and was famously used by professional buffalo hunters, pioneers, and guides. An estimated 3,881
Sharps Model 1874 Sporting rifles were made with an octagon barrel at the Bridgeport plant, as on this attractive example. It features a bead front sight made of horn, 800 yard elevator rear sight, adjustable tang mounted peep sight,
double triggers, checkered Schnabel forearm, and checkered pistol grip shotgun buttstock with checkered steel buttplate. The top of the barrel is marked “Old Reliable” ahead of the Bridgeport address (hidden under the rear sight) and “CALIBRE 40”, with “2 1/4” marked on the right of the breech. The matching serial number “156851” is marked on the upper receiver tang (the 6 is correctly offset for the peep sight mounting stud) and underside of the barrel. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 90% plus original blue finish on the barrel, and 70% original casehardened finish with a slightly muted appearance on the lock, frame and lever with vivid case colors exhibited on the breech block, scattered areas of dried grease, and distinct markings and edges in the metal overall. Wood is fine as re-oiled, with clear checkering, a few scattered light scratches and nicks, some discreetly filled in areas around some of the edges, a chip on the right rear corner of the forend, and defined edges overall. Mechanically excellent. This attractive and exceptional Sharps Bridgeport Model 1874 sporting rifle would make a fine addition to any antique American firearms collection! Estimate: 8,000 - 13,000
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LOT 3081
Rare Roper Sporting Arms Co. Revolving Rifle - Serial no. 307, 41 CF cal., 27 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, walnut stock. This is a rare example of a revolving .41 caliber rifle as manufactured between 1869 to 1876 by Roper Sporting Arms Company of Hartford, Connecticut. These rare Roper rifles are encountered
with far less frequency today than the Roper shotguns based on the same design. Features a six-shot revolving carrier with a bolt connected to the hammer, combination
Beach front sight, ladder rear sight on the barrel and a folding leaf rear sight graduated to 800 yards on the rear of the frame. “ROPER SPORTING ARMS CO./HARTFORD, CONN./PAT.APR.10.1866.JULY 14.1868.” marked on the hinged loading gate. Blue barrel with casehardened housing and frame. Matching serial number “307” marked on the bottom of the frame (hidden under forend),
barrel, and inside channel of the forend. “158” marked on the bolt. Smooth, nicely figured walnut forearm with pewter tip and straight grip stock with crescent buttplate.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 95% original blue finish and 60% plus original case colors with areas of scattered light to mild freckling. Wood is also fine with scattered dents and scratches, cracks on either side of the wrist, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500