2020 September Premier, Volume I

Historically Significant N. Curry & Bro. Shipped Sharps Model 1874 Rifle,
Shipped to San Francisco During the Mining Era
The John Fox Collection
LOT 85
Rare and Desirable Western Shipped N. Curry & Bro. of San
Francisco “Frontier Issued” Sharps Model 1874 Rifle with Factory
Letter - Serial no. 158256, 40-70 Sharps cal., 30 inch octagon bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. The included factory letter identifies
this rifle as invoiced as a Model 1874 Sporting Rifle invoiced on April 11,
1877, to N. Curry & Bro. of San Francisco, California. The rifle is listed as .44
caliber (hand changed on the letter to .40) case length not documented,
30 inch octagon barrel, double set triggers, open sights, oil finished wood,
and a weight of 9 1/2 pounds for “$34 less 20 + 10%.” It was shipped in
a group of eight sporting rifles (two in .40 caliber and six in .44 caliber)
priced at $248.05 including the cost of the cases and ammunition. In 1863,
Nathaniel and John Curry inherited their brother Charle’s business upon
his death in 1863 and operated as western wholesalers and sales agents
for multiple American firearms companies including Sharps Rifle Co. They
were among the most significant of all western arms dealers in the second
half of the 19th century. It has a Lyman beaded blade front sight, “Old
Reliable” and the Bridgeport address ahead of the “1876” marked notch
and folding ladder rear sight, “CALIBRE 40” on top at the breech, “70” on
the right at the breech, the matching partial serial number “8256” inside
the forearm, “5” and “3/16” and the matching serial number on the bottom
of the barrel, the matching serial number repeated horizontally on the
upper tang ahead of the empty peep sight taps, adjustable double set
triggers, and smooth stock with steel buttplate.
CONDITION: Very fine overall, a result of authentic use and authentic care
with 75% blue finish on the barrel thinning to an even aged patina and
casual frontier wear. Traces of original case colors remain on the frame,
the balance is an even toned grey patina. The original stock and forearm
are like wise good and has some small chips at the edges, mild dents and
scrapes, and some spots of discoloration. Mechanically excellent. A very
fine Western Shipped California Sharps.
Estimate: 5000 - 7500
104