^Lot 3509 SHARPS MODEL 1874 "BUSINESS" STYLE SINGLE SHOT

SPORTING RIFLE. Cal. 40 (40/70 2 1/4" Bottleneck). S# 155881. Bbl. 26" rnd. with German silver blade sporting front sight and Lawrence patent folding leaf rear sight. Top flat is marked "Old Reliable" with Bridgeport, Conn. address. Blue finish with case colored action. Double set triggers. Walnut forearm and straight grip stock with steel buttplate. The Business Rifle was put into production in August of 1876 to fill a demand for a less expensive sporting rifle. Almost no variations were made in the Business Rifle. Most had 28" bbls., about 100 were 26" bbls. Weight: 8lbs. 12.6oz. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: R.L. Moore letter listing a very confusing description, that does not match the configuration of this rifle: "SERIAL NUMBER 155881 IS LISTED THREE TIMES IN THE INVOICE BOOKS. IT IS DESIGNATIED AS A MODEL 1874 SPORTING OCTAGON RIFLE AND WAS MANUFACTURED AT THE BRIDGEPORT, OLD RELIABLE PLANT. ORIGINALLY IT WAS SHIPPED TO BEN KITTREDGE AND COMPANY OF CINCINNATI, OHIO, AND AS ORIGINALLY SHIPPED IT WAS 44 CALIBER WITH A TWNETY EITH INCH FULL OCTAGON BARREL WITH DOUBLE TRIGGERS WEIGHING 9LBS. 4oz. THE LIST PRICE WAS FORTY DOLLARS. APPARENTLY KITTREDGE RETURNED THE RIFLE AND ON DECEMBER 5, 1876, IT WAS SHIPPED TO E.S. HARRIS OF NEW YORK CITY WHO APPARENTLY AGAIN RETURNED THE GUN AND ON APRIL 30, 1879 IT WAS SHIPPED TO SCHUYLER, HARTLEY AND GRAHAM OF NEW YORK CITY.". CONDITION: bbl. has 70% dull lightly faded blue showing scattered small marks and spotting. Action retains small amounts of visible case colors in protected areas, with balance fading to gray showing spots of darker age related discoloration. Top of receiver behind ejection port has series of small dents. Wood has worn original finish showing numerous scratches, marks, and dents. Sound action and triggers. Bore is generally bright with strong rifling. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Norm Greenberg Collection. (01-27770/DS). ANTIQUE. $3,000-5,000.