Lot 397S1
A .50-140(Sharps) '1874 Model' falling-block buffalo rifle by Sharps, no. 52375/45727
18 May 2017, 14:00 BST
London, KnightsbridgeSold for £1,500 inc. premium
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Shipping (UK)
A .50-140(Sharps) '1874 Model' falling-block buffalo rifle by Sharps, no. 52375/45727
Plain action-body with some hardening-colour, the figured stock (pinned at the hand) with steel butt-plate, the heavy octagonal barrel (numbered 45727 and rebored) stamped Old Reliable within a rectangle and Sharps Rifle Co. Bridgeport, Conn., 45 Calibre 2⅞ with adjustable open-sights and white metal blade-foresight
Weight 15lb. 4oz., 13⅞in. pull (13⅝in. stock), 29½in. barrel, recent London Black Powder proof
Weight 15lb. 4oz., 13⅞in. pull (13⅝in. stock), 29½in. barrel, recent London Black Powder proof
Footnotes
Flayderman notes "Sharps Rifle" was often synonymous with "Buffalo Rifle" in Western lore; near-generic in its use to describe the large calibre, heavy barrel, very plain grade, breech-loading rifles in regular use by professional buffalo hunters during the height of the era circa 1867-1882. Although other makers (notably Remington) were used, the Sharps was, by far, the most widely favoured...and reported. To minimize the sound of the gunshot and prevent the herd from stampeding, shooting was done from a stand at long range, often using cross-sticks or other form of rest. Heavy barrels made for steadier aim and allowed for faster shooting, their larger size expanding more slowly as they heated in rapid shooting. Hunters often used two rifles to lessen heating (which decreased accuracy). In earlier years calibres from 40-90 to large .50 were in favour; by 1876 the .45 (2⅞) became popular as did the heavier barrels, with rifles weighing in between 13½ lbs. and 16½ lbs. usually and invariably fitted with double set triggers'