Spring 2025 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
May 8th, 9th, 10th, & 11th, 2025
This auction will feature an outstanding collection of items spanning multiple categories including Modern, Military, Sporting, & Antique firearms & militaria! Below is just a small grouping of select highlights from the massive offering to be featured in this upcoming sale!
SHARPS MODEL 1874 SPORTING RIFLE
01-26015
Cal. 45. 2 1/10″ (45-70)
S# 161308
Bbl. 30″ octagon measuring 7/8″ across flats at muzzle. Top flat is marked “Old Reliable” w/ “SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN.” address. Bottom bbl. flat is numbered to the action w/ additional marking “5 10/16”. Globe front sight w/ Lawrence patent rear sight & long range Vernier tang sight w/ metal cup eyepiece. Vernier sight is tang mounted on an unnumbered base. This rifle fits the general criteria of a no. 3 mid-range target rifle. Case colored action features a checkered single trigger. Schnable tipped walnut forearm w/ wraparound point pattern hand checkering having an additional triangle of checkering near the tip. Pistol grip stock of fancy walnut w/ checkered steel shotgun butt. Wrist has point pattern hand checkering w/ additional diamonds along both sides of top tang & oval of checkering on bottom of pistol grip. Comb of stock has metal base for Vernier sight attachment. Left side of stock has a German silver oval presentation plate. WEIGHT: 10 lbs, 2.8 oz.
UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: R.L. Moor MD letter dated April 18, 1986 details “Your Sharp’s Rifle Serial Number 161308 has been located in the Original Sharp’s Rifle Company Records of the Old Reliable, Bridgeport, Connecticut, plant. / This gun was invoiced June 16, 1877, to George F. Hull. It is noted as a Model 1874 Sporting Octagon Rifle. The calibre was .45 and it had a full 30 inch octagonal barrel. The weight was 9 lbs. 14 oz. and the list price was $38 with a 20% discount. / George F. Hull was an employee of the Sharp’s Rifle Company and apparently had access to fancy wood and target sights. Many of his guns that were charged to him apparently were altered, probably by himself to his wishes. / Congratulations on owning one of Hull’s guns and I am sure you will notice his expert touch.”
STATUS: ANTIQUE
