Product Details
SHARPS, USA
A FINE .40-70 (2 1/4) BREECH-LOADING SPORTING-RIFLE, MODEL '1874 SPECIAL ORDER', serial no. 160778,
for 1878, with heavy octagonal 30in. barrel, the top-flat signed 'SHARPS RIFLE CO, BRIDGEPORT CONN' and stamped with the 'OLD RELIABLE' trademark, calibre designation at breech together with 'J.P. LOWER', dove-tailed tunnel fore-sight, standing notch rear-sight with folding ladder, plain receiver with vertical breech-block, the left hand side marked 'SHARPS RIFLE CO. PAT APRIL 6 1869', plain lockplate, plain top-tang fitted with a vernier folding aperture sight, walnut butt-stock with chequered iron 'shotgun' heel-plate, iron under-lever forming the trigger-guard, double set-triggers and walnut splinter fore-end, weight approximately 11lbs.
Other Notes: According to the Sharp's factory records this rifle described as a '.40-70 Sporting Rifle, 30in. barrel, double-triggers' left their workshops on January 5th 1878 and was purchased by Schuler Hartley & Graham, Maiden Lane, New-York (a large department store and out-fitters). Subsequently the rifle was returned to the factory and then sold to Mr John P. Lower of Denver, Colorado on the 30th September 1878. The reason for the return is not clear. Mr J.P. Lower ran a popular sporting goods store named after himself that traded from 1860, finally closing its doors in 1980
Please click HERE to view Terms & Conditions.
Estimate £3,000-5,000