This heavy barrel Sharps rifle shows all the spirit of the American West and many of the features normally associated with the "buffalo rifles" used by the commercial hunters of the period. These rifles were highly valued on the frontier for their reliability and long range accuracy. The frame was originally manufactured during the Civil War as a military pattern New Model 1863 carbine, and in the post-war timeframe it was converted into a heavy barrel buffalo rifle with a replacement heavy octagon barrel chambered in .40-90 Sharps necked (2 5/8 inch case), with retailer marking "WALTER COOPER/BOZEMAN,M.T." on top ahead of the rear sight. This rifle would have likely been used for hunting or defense purposes on the western plains, and the .40-90 Sharps necked cartridge provides plenty of stopping power. Walter Cooper, located in Bozeman, Montana Territory, was at one time the biggest Sharps dealer in Montana and ended up in some financial distress with the company. The bottom of the barrel is marked "DAVENPORT. ARMS CO" along with "W.C.D." and an eagle motif. Information provided in a Sharps factory letter witnessed with a previous Sharps rifle sold by Rock Island Auction Company (Auction 66, Lot 1106) states, "There is no evidence in the records of my possession that Davenport Arms ever sold barrels to the Sharps Rifle Company. There is, however, ample evidence of Sharps disposing of machinery, tools, parts and raw materials in the year or so following the cessation of production in October 1880. J.W. Coffin, Treasurer of Davenport Arms Co. bought barrels and/or barrel steel in July 1881 as evidenced by the copies of two letters enclosed herewith. It must be assumed that these barrels were stamped with the Davenport name and sold to the gun trade, including (or perhaps exclusively?) to Walter Cooper." and the letter further states that the W.C.D. may stand for Walter Cooper Davenport. This exact rifle is pictured on page 324 of the book “Sharps Firearms: Model 1874, 1875 & 1877 Target Rifles and Model Variations, Volume III” by Roy Marcot. Features a German silver blade front sight mounted in a dovetailed base, modified Lawrence patent ladder rear sight, double set triggers, Sharps 1848 patent marking on the left of the frame, serial number "C,33066" marked on the upper receiver tang, and walnut forearm and shotgun style buttstock with no provisions for a buttplate. Includes a modern metal box containing a period Ideal Mfg. Co. New Haven, CT reloading tool marked "40 90 BOT", some .40-90 shell casings and a few lead rounds.

Very good as period retailer re-barreled/converted/upgraded, with a fresh appearance showing signs of light frontier use, retains 60% original dull blue finish on the barrel with smooth brown patina on the balance and a sharp retailer marking, strong traces of refurbished case colors visible on the protected areas of the lock and hammer with the remainder of the casehardened surfaces showing smooth silvery gray and brown patina, with charming scattered surface freckling. Wood is fine, with some scattered light dents and scratches, and defined edges. Mechanically fine. This Walter Cooper retailer marked .40-90 Sharps buffalo rifle is a desirable item for the western arms collector!