»Home » 1840-1860 » Rifles-Shotguns » #2103 Sharps Model 1851 “Box-Lock” Round Barreled Sporting Rifle

#2103 Sharps Model 1851 “Box-Lock” Round Barreled Sporting Rifle, 28”x90-bore percussion, which looks to be about 52-caliber or thereabouts, because at the time these early Sharps rifles were made, they were (I think) using the English gauging methods. The bore, unfortunately, is lousy in that it looks totally shot out and the rifling worn virtually smooth (with some light pitting added for good measure). It’s fitted with the Maynard tape-priming system ….which is fully operational and complete, including the original door and tiny latch that is often missing. Correct simple rear barrel sight but missing the accessory post tang sight. The metal is quite decent enough, especially considering that this Sharps was already an obsolete gun by the time the Civil War broke out. It has some moderate freckle pitting at the breech area and frame (as can hopefully be seen in the many photos) and a few scattered patches on the barrel as well. The wood is very good, the only deficit being the one sizeable sliver chip at the rear right side of the forestock (see photos) and the usual minor bumps and bruises. The markings are good, the Robbins & Lawrence barrel stamping is a bit light, but this looks probably to have been an unevenly applied stamping at the time. The other markings are clear, as is the 19XX serial number. Brass patchbox is in really nice condition also. Only about 400 total of all calibers were made in this Sporting Rifle configuration, and they are seldom encountered for sale on the “open market”. Most are sold from collector to collector, or in a live auction, and this will be a rare chance to buy a rare, early, and very desireable Sharps. There are a lot of photos to this desirable old Sharps, so if they all do not load, just email me and I will forward them to you by return email.About VG. $6450

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