This Sharps rifle embodies all the spirit of the American west, as period rechambered for use with .44-40 WCF, allowing ammunition interchangeability with Winchester 1873 lever action rifles and some revolvers of the time, while still having the known reliability of a Sharps. The frame, serial number 55937, was originally manufactured during the Civil War as a military pattern New Model 1859 rifle with double set triggers, in the famous Berdan sharpshooter rifle serial range (approximately 54000-57000), and was tastefully converted later into a "buffalo" type sporting rifle with an octagon barrel chambered for use with .44-40 WCF sometime in the 1870s-1880s. The conversion work was performed by gunmaker George Spangler of Monroe, Wisconsin (c. 1827-1913), who is also known to have made some Schuetzen target rifles, with maker marking and address "G. SPANGLER/MONROE WI" ahead of "WARRANTED" on top of the barrel. This exact rifle is pictured on page 341 of the book “Sharps Firearms: Model 1874, 1875 & 1877 Target Rifles and Model Variations, Volume III” by Roy Marcot. It is fitted with a dovetail mounted blade front sight and elevator notch rear sight. The original breech block was altered to centerfire with an extractor and hammer. Walnut forearm affixed with two screws, and American long rifle type buttstock with iron patchbox and brass buttplate. Period initials "L.C.B" carved upside down on the right of the stock. Includes a binder of consignor research related to gunmaker George Spangler.

Good as period modified and full of frontier character, with a mix of western brown and gray patina, scattered spotting on the iron, a period brazed repaired replacement hammer, breech block period modified to centerfire, period blue finish on the iron patchbox and attractive bright golden patina on the brass buttplate. Wood is also good as sanded and re-oiled, with scattered light scratches and dents, and solid figure. Mechanically fine. This charming "frontier used" George Spangler marked Sharps sporting rifle in .44-40 WCF has the look of a true western working gun, and made for a trusty companion on the plains!