Incredibly Scarce Sharps Model 1851 "Box Lock" Percussion Sporting Rifle These early "Box Lock" rifles were manufactured by Robbins & Lawrence under contract with Sharps from November 1, 1852, until April 1, 1855. They are readily identifiable by their hammers mounted on the inside of the lock and by the rounded "slant breech" actions. Richard S. Lawrence and William Jones were responsible for taking Christian Sharps prototype and modifying it for mass production. The changes made without Sharps' knowledge and approval are said to have been a large part of why he eventually left the company that bore his name. These sporting rifles are believed to have mostly seen hard use by pioneers in the West for hunting and defense. Only 53 were manufactured in this configuration. Many have naturally been lost or destroyed over the years. Similar rifles are pictured in "The Slant Breech Models" chapter of Sellers' "Sharps Firearms." This later production example was never drilled for a saddle ring bar on the left side (unlike the majority of the Model 1851s) and has the brass buttplate and patch box (some late production have casehardened iron). Matching serial numbers are found on most of the components. The barrel has dovetailed blade front and adjustable "squirrel ear" notch rear sights and no visible markings. It also has a tang mounted peep sight. The primer door has the "EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTEE/1846" marking, and the upper tang has "C. SHARPS/PATENT/1848." The forearm has a pewter cap. Manufacturer: Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company Model: 1851 BBL: 26 1/4 inch octagon Stock: walnut Gauge: 44 percussion Finish: blue/casehardened Grips: Serial Number: 1666 Class: Antique Condition: Very good with traces of original finish and dark brown and gray patina on the balance mixed with some patches of minor pitting and oxidation. The revarnished wood is very good and has some mild scrapes and dings and some chipping of the varnish. The very fine brass patch box has an attractive aged mustard yellow patina. Mechanically excellent. This is a fine representative example of one of the rarest Sharps Models. This model paved the way for future breech loading firearms by proving their utility. It is sure to enhance any antique American firearms collection.

  • Condition: See Description

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by Rock Island Auction Company
September 10, 2017 9:00 AM CDT
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, IL, US 61201

Rock Island Auction Company

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