^Lot 3511 SHARPS MEACHAM STYLE CARTRIDGE CONVERSION

BREECHLOADING "BUFFALO RIFLE". Cal. 40, 2 1/2" (40-70 STRAIGHT). S# C48460. Bbl. 30" octagon measuring 1" across the flats at muzzle. Top flat is marked "Old Reliable" followed by "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN.". Brass blade front sight with Lawrence patent graduated leaf rear sight. Case colored action. Double set triggers. Schnabel tipped walnut forearm. Straight grip walnut stock with crescent steel buttplate having point pattern hand checkering at wrist. Conversion rifles of this style are typically known as "Meacham" conversions because E.C. Meacham of St. Louis advertised and sold large numbers of them. However the majority of factory conversions were made for dealers other than Meacham including Boker, J.P. Moore & Sons, and Joseph Frazier. Weight: 11 lbs. 5.8 oz. CONDITION: bbl. blue is fading to an even brown patina showing small marks. Action retains small amounts of lightly visible case colors in protected areas with balance fading to gray. Stock has lightly worn finish with areas of blistering showing scratches and marks. Checkering shows light wear. Action and lock function and fire properly when cycled in plain trigger mode. When trigger is set the hammer drops to half cock position. Bore is generally bright retaining sound rifling. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Norm Greenberg Collection. (01-27775/DS). ANTIQUE. $3,000-5,000.