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   LOT 3171
Rare and Exceptional Sharps Model 1853 Slant Breech Military Rifle with Saber
Bayonet - Serial no. 21175, 52 cal., 27 3/8 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish,
walnut stock. The Sharps Model 1853 is one of the most iconic firearms of the often violent
antebellum era and was famously used by John Brown and his abolitionist allies in Bleeding Kansas and during his
raid on Harpers Ferry. According to page 214 of “Sharps Firearms, The Percussion Era 1848-1865” by Roy Marcot, “...SRMCo. [Sharps] records
indicate that 222 Model 1853 Military Rifles were fabricated by Robbins & Lawrence and sold to SRMCo. between September 28, 1854 and mid-1856. The rifle
serial numbers are found mainly in the 15200 to 19000+ range, with others in the 20000+ range... This range includes some firearms with carbine length 24-inch barrels, but most with 27-inch barrels.” Blade front and Lawrence patent 900 yard ladder rear sight, saber bayonet lug, barrel marked “SHARP’S RIFLE/MANUFG. CO./HARTFORD CONN.”
on top, upper tang marked “SHARPS/PATENT/1848” ahead of the serial number, lock marked “SHARP’S/PATENT/1852”, small “J” inspection mark behind the lower tang, matching serial number marked underneath the barrel, inside the forearm channel, upper tang, and inside of the patch box door. Brass barrel band, patch box, and buttplate. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials
marked at the toe of the stock. Includes saber bayonet with serial number “22391” marked on the flat of the handle, brass tipped leather scabbard, and wood tampion.
CONDITION: Fine as turned to a pleasing smooth brown patina on the barrel and a gray/brown patina on the receiver with attractive muted patterns of original case colors remaining, 50% original blue finish on the rear sight with some light pitting. Brass fittings retain an attractive bright, attractively aged color. Wood is very fine with some scattered light scratches and dents. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet and scabbard are both fine. A pleasing example of a rare Sharps Model 1853 military rifle!
Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 12,000
LOT 3172
Rare U.S. Inspected Sharps Model 1855 Slant Breech Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no.
17523, 52 cal., 21 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This is an example of 1 of the 600 Model 1855 carbines purchased on contract by the U.S. Army. Marked with standard three line address on the barrel ahead of the rear sight, “U.S/J.H/P” (sub-inspector John Hawkins) on the upper left at the breech. The upper tang has the “SHARPS/PATENT/1848” marking in front of the serial number.
“EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTEE 1845” is marked on the primer cover. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the barrel under the forearm. Brass blade front and folding leaf rear sight. Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a brass barrel band, patch box and buttplate. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes wood tampion. These seldom are found in any condition!
CONDITION: Good, the metal surfaces have a bright appearance with some scattered minor pitting, sharp markings in the metal, and the brass fittings have a pleasing lightly aged patina. The wood is also good with some scattered dents and dings, and chips on the edges of the forearm. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
LOT 3173 Very Scarce Civil War Sharps & Hankins Model 1861 Navy Rifle - Serial no. 251, 52 RF cal., 32 3/4 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Only 700 of these rifles were manufactured between 1861-62, and all but 100 are known to have been purchased for use by the U.S. Navy. Most of the rifles were used to arm Marine guards aboard ships, and some were used on gunboats on the Mississippi River. It has standard markings and features including a bottom mounted saber bayonet lug. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes leather sling and wood tampion. CONDITION: Very good, retaining strong traces of original blue finish on the barrel with mottled brown patina. Traces of blue finish remains on the frame mainly in protected areas with the balance a mixed gray/brown patina with some patches of light pitting. 60% original blue finish on the bands, hammer, loading lever and tangs. Brass buttplate with an attractive bright color. Wood is also very good as re-oiled with some scattered scratches and dents. Mechanically excellent. A genuine example of a scarce Sharps Navy rifle. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
107
  Collector’s Fact
One of only 600
 Sharps Model 1855 carbines ordered by the U.S. Army.
    Collector’s Fact
The U.S. Navy ordered only 600 Sharps & Hankins Model 1861 Rifles.
       







































































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