Incredibly Scarce Sharps Model 1851 "Box Lock" Percussion Sporting Rifle This model was redesigned by Richard S. Lawrence and William Jones based on a model submitted by Christian Sharps. The changed made by the former without consultation with Sharps is part of what led to him leaving the company that bore his name. Estimates vary for how many Model 1851 sporting rifles were manufactured by Robbins & Lawrence in Windsor, Vermont, for Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co. in 1852-1855. Noted Sharps researcher Frank Sellers estimated 193 manufactured within the 1-2050 range in "Sharps Firearms" and only 53 in this basic configuration (caliber/barrel shape/no engraving). Sellers also notes that nearly half of the sporting rifles had double set triggers and half had single triggers like this one further decreasing the number in this configuration. It has a globe front sight, "squirrel ear" rear sight, missing the rear tang post sight with empty threaded hole visible in upper tang the two-line Hartford address behind the rear sight, "EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTEE/1845" on the primer door, "C. SHARPS PATENT/1848" followed by the serial number on the upper tang, tap for mounting a peep sight (not included), brass patch box and buttplate, and smooth stock and forearm with pewter nose cap. This one correctly does not have a tap on the left side of the receiver for a sling ring. This was the last model before the Sharps rifles and carbines began taking their classic shape and is an important early variation. This model was also the first Sharps used by the U.S. military. Manufacturer: Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company Model: 1851 BBL: 26 1/2 inch octagon Stock: walnut Gauge: 44 percussion Finish: blue/casehardened Grips: Serial Number: 1609 Class: Antique Condition: Very good plus with mottled gray and brown patina, mild pitting and oxidation, attractively aged patina on the brass, general marks and dings, mild edge wear, and crisp markings. The fine wood has moderate scrapes and dings. Mechanically fine. This is a solid representative example of the Sharps Model 1851 and one of the hardest Sharps sporting rifle variants to acquire.

  • Condition: See Description

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We will arrange for packing and shipping at our earliest possible convenience. We will attempt to ship as soon as possible, however, due to the huge volume of absentee bidders, delays in shipping of seven days after full payment is received by us is typical. In the case of crating or any exceptional packaging, the buyer will be charged our cost from outside agents. Buyer pays all shipping and insurance charges.

by Rock Island Auction Company
April 14, 2018 9:00 AM CDT
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, IL, US 61201

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 21.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000