2020 September Premier, Volume I

Montana Territory Shipped "Frontier Issued" Sharps Model 1874 Rifle
LOT 61
Iconic and Magnificent Montana Territory Shipped “Frontier Issued” Heavy Barrel Sharps
Model 1874 Buffalo Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial no. C,53532, 44 cal., 26 inch octagon bbl.,
blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The factory letter indicates this rifle was invoiced at the
Hartford factory on November 1, 1872, to George H. Laughlin of Helena, Montana Territory, as an
“Octagon Rifle” in .44 caliber with a 26 inch octagon barrel, double set triggers, open sights, and oil
finished stocks for $39. Laughlin also ordered a second rifle in the same configuration along with
two sets of reloading equipment, 250 cartridges, and primers from a total of $132. The weight was
not given, but the rifle weighs 11 pounds 1.8 ounces, a rather heavy rifle if you aren’t on horseback
but excellent for steady shots on game or foes in the West. According to factory records, these two
rifles were the only Model 1874s shipped to George Laughlin. Unfortunately nothing is known about
Laughlin. He was like one of thousands of men and women who ventured to the West hoping to
make a fortune in precious metals or simply make a better life for themselves. This rifle was clearly
used extensively in the period but remains in solid condition typical of a trusted weapon that was
well-used but cared for since it was likely used to put food on the table and defend against would be
aggressors. The forearm and buttstock show signs of having been carried for countless hours, and it
is not hard to imagine a frontiersman clinging this rifle while searching for gold to line his pockets or
game to fill his belly. Helena was formed as gold rush town after gold was discovered in “Last Chance
Gulch” in 1864 and became the capital of the territory in 1875. The territory was a key location during
the massive commercial buffalo hunts during the 1870s when this rifle was manufactured. Other rifles
with close serial numbers are known to have been shipped in 1873. It has a nickel-silver blade front
sight, the Hartford barrel address, Lawrence patent rear sight, “CALIBRE 44” and “20” on top at the
breech, matching serial numbers on the bottom of the barrel and upper tang, adjustable double set
triggers, pewter forend cap, and steel rifle buttplate.
CONDITION: Excellent. An absolute time machine like the DeLorean from “Back to the Future.”
Physically inspecting this rifle takes you back 150 years, you can smell the sweat and leather, taste
the dust and grit and feel the unrelenting heat of the summer sun on your neck. The rifle proudly
exhibits its wear as badge of honor, and it over all condition makes it known it was well taken care of
and appreciated for the income, sustenance and protection in provided. The forearm is your portal to
the past, it shows the uncanny grip from many years in its original owners strong, blistered hands. A
phenomenal piece of frontier history, it get no better than this!
Estimate: 8500 - 12000
The John Fox Collection
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