4308 TRULY RARE (1 OF 13 PRODUCED) SHARPS 1874

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2025 May 11 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 7,500.00 USD
Estimated at 15,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
HARTFORD LONG RANGE NO. 3 TARGET RIFLE. Cal. 44-90. S# 155696. Bbl. 34" octagon. Top bbl flat is stamped "SHARPS RIFLE CO HARTFORD CT. NN". Early Hartford style spirit level front sight as used on the Sharps Creedmoor rifles. It is believed that these rare sights were manufactured in England. Vernier tang sight is a Model 1874 extra long range with 6" of elevation. Blue finished bbl with case colored action. Schnable tip forearm, straight grip walnut stock with hand checkering. LOP: 13 7/8" over checkered steel buttplate. Weight: 9lbs 4oz.. The Model 1874 was manufactured in Hartford, Connecticut only until 1876 before manufacture was moved to Bridgeport. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: R.L. Moore MD letter dated November 27, 1990 "Dear Garry: Your Sharps Rifle serial number 155696 has been located in the original Sharps Rifle Company records of Hartford, Connecticut. / This gun was invoiced December 23, 1875, to Sharps general agent, E.S. Harris of New York City. It is noted as a Model 1874 Long Range Target Rifle #3. The calibre was .44 and it was complete with target sights and spirit level. The list price was $80. Along with the gun went an order also of shells, bullets, scorebooks, wads, etc. / The Model 1874 Long Range #3 is a true Sharps rarety being produced at Hartford. congratulations on owning such a fine piece of Americana. The total production was only 13." Also included is a copy of ledger page #127 from the Sharps Records which lists this rare rifle. A copy of the Texas Gun Collector Fall 2021 features an article on page #22 titled "The Sharps 1874 Sporting Rifle and Long Range #3". This rare rifle is photographed and described in this article. CONDITION: this rare all original rifle retains 80% lightly faded bbl blue showing edge wear with small marks and scattered spots of freckling. The action retains small amounts of cased colored finish blending with a mottled gray coloration. The wood retains original finish showing scattered scratches, marks and small dents. Checkering shows light wear. Mechanics are sound. Bore retains intact rifling showing scattered pitting. (01-26601/DS). ANTIQUE. $15,000-25,000.