Back
Frontier Firearms from the Lifetime Collection of Larry Ness
|
- Sale 1987
Live
| Cincinnati
Jun 8 | 10:00 AM EDT
Live
| Cincinnati
Sale 1987
| Cincinnati
| Cincinnati
Estimate$5,000 – $10,000
.45-100. 29.5" heavy octagon barrel. SN: 411?0. Blued and color casehardened finish, smooth straight-gripped walnut stock and Schanbel forend. Heavy barreled cartridge target rifle alteration of a Civil War period Sharps percussion carbine action. Unlike Meecham alterations which altered the percussion lock plates by cutting them down and removing the pellet priming system, this lock retains the basis of that mechanism, although the feed arm and spring have been removed. Standard Civil War era lock and receiver markings, top flat of barrel marked "WHEN A FRIEND COULD TRUST A FRIEND". Barrel measures 1.25" across the flats at the muzzle. Equipped with a Vernier tang sight, a globe front sight and double set triggers. Carbine sling bar recess in reverse stock filled with a blank plate. Triggerguard marked with the museum accession number "79.176.10". Consignor's notes indicate the gun was deaccessioned from the collection of the Western Reserve Historical Society in Cleveland, OH. The marking on the barrel could be a reference to the 1923 silent film The Covered Wagon which includes a scene where two drunk friends shoot tin cans from each other's heads at 100 yards to celebrate "the days when a friend could trust a friend". The film also includes a buffalo hunt scene, which would be appropriate for a heavy barreled Sharps.
The Collection of Larry Ness
Fine. Retains most of the blue on the barrel and vivid case colors on the receiver. Crisp and legible markings, mechanically functional, fine bore. Wood with scattered bumps, dings and mars.
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.
The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.
Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.
To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]
Tim Carey
Associate Vice President, Head of Department, Arms, Armor and Militaria
