Rare Sharps Model 1874 No. 3 Long Range Single Shot Rifle Sharps manufactured only 429 of these Model 1874 Long Range rifles from 1875 to 1879; 61 in Hartford, where this rifle was manufactured, and the remainder in Bridgeport. Of the 429, 75 were No. 3 rifles with only 13 of those manufactured in Hartford. This is a very early use of a six digit serial number without a "C" prefix. Marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO. HARTFORD. CONN." and "CALIBRE 44" on top of the barrel and "SHARPS RIFLE CO./PAT. APR 6 1869" on the left side of the receiver. The matching serial number is marked on the upper tang, bottom barrel flat under the forearm, and on the left side of the tang sight base. The National Rifle Association, which governed the matches around the country had specific rules for the rifles that could be used on the various ranges, including Creedmoor, which was on Long Island and one of the few that could handle the long ranges (up to 1,000 yards) required in national and international matches. The rules in the mid-1870s called for rifles to weigh no more than 10 pounds and to have a trigger pull of three pounds or more. This particular rifle weighs 9.20 pounds. Set triggers and optical sights were not allowed. Due to the long ranges at which these rifles were used, a long sighting radius was required, so the sight at the rear of the barrel was eliminated and a long range tang mounted peep sight was installed. The numbers on the tang sight base match those on the rifle. The base and the staff are matched to each other by the last three digits of the serial number, two ahead of the index mark and one behind. The barrel is fitted with a windage adjustable front globe sight, and the upper tang is equipped with a long range Vernier peep sight. The plug on the upper tang that the sight is mounted in is properly placed covering the third digit of the serial number. Mounted with a multi-point checkered walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a hand checkered iron shotgun buttplate. Manufacturer: Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company Model: 1874-Rifle BBL: 34 inch octagon Stock: walnut Gauge: 44-90 Finish: blue/casehardened Grips: Serial Number: 155710 Class: Antique Condition: Fine. The barrel retains 40% original thin blue finish with edge wear, some minor scratches and areas of smooth plum patina. The receiver and lock retain 30% of the faded original case colors with a smooth dove gray on the balance. There is some light oxidation on the tang sight. The wood is also fine with scattered minor dents, dings and scratches. The markings are clear. The action is fine.

  • Condition: See Description

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by Rock Island Auction Company
April 26, 2015 9:00 AM CDT
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, IL, US 61201

Rock Island Auction Company

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