Guns International #: 102983567

Category - Sharps Rifles - Antique - Antique Rifles - Single Shot

Category
Sharps Rifles - Antique
Antique Rifles - Single Shot

Very Rare Documented 1874 Sharps Factory German Pattern Schuetzen Rifle 1 of 69 Made Double Set Triggers Vernier Sight New York Target History

Description:
Extremely Rare Documented Model 1874 Sharps Factory “German Pattern” Schuetzen Rifle with Research, .40-50 Sharps Bottleneck, mfg. 1878. This is an extraordinary rifle in wonderful original condition. The Sharps Schuetzen rifles, referred to as “German Pattern" by the factory, were designed by Charles E. Overbaugh specifically for the New York Central Schuetzen Corp. All but 3 of the 69 examples made were purchased by members of the club, most of them through it's president Captain  C. F. Gennerich. This rifle, serial number 162203, was one of twenty identical Schuetzen rifles sold to Gennerich on March 13th, 1878. To add further rarity, only 17 of the 69 Schuetzen rifles were fitted with full Schuetzen buttplates. This is one of those rifles. The 30" octagon barrel retains it's massive original globe front sight, flip-up lawrence patent rear sight, and unique Mid-Range vernier tang sight with sporting base. It shows 65%+ original blue finish fading to brown and is very clearly marked with the caliber, Sharps address, and “Old Reliable” logo. The frame retains 35% faded case color with the balance faded and worn to a silver/plum mix. Surfaces are smooth and edges sharp throughout. Serial number “162203” stamped on top of the frame, on the barrel under the forearm, and last two digits "03" stamped on the vernier sight staff at the bottom front. The heavy sporting style stock features a pistol grip and fluted cheekpiece with a silver inlay on the right side of the butt inscribed “John Zillmann”. Practically all of the Schuetzen rifles are found with similar plaques inscribed with the original owner's name. Little information is found regarding Zillmann except that he was born in Germany in 1849 and came to America (New York City) in 1872 where he resided in Brooklyn until his death in 1922. The stock retains 85% factory varnish with an attractive rich color and a blackened patina forming within protected areas. Light/moderate edge wear and surface brusing on the left side of the butt with a very faint old expertly repaired v-shaped crack on top of the comb which extends back on both sides but does not appear to have reached the buttplate. Very minor old chipping at forward tip of comb from the vernier sight which is to be expected. The forearm is fitted for a threaded for a palm rest as is the lever. Serial number 162300 pictured in Frank Seller's book “Sharps Firearms” also has this same feature. Brass Schuetzen buttplate retains 25% original nickel finish. All original screws, hammer, lever, breechblock assembly, lever pin, and double set triggers. Mechanically excellent. The action is perfectly crisp and functions flawlessly, lever and breechblock securely opens and snaps shut like new, original cartridge extractor and firing pin work properly, and double set triggers function perfectly. Excellent bore with bright sharp rifling throughout and only the very slightest frosting at the muzzle. I would rate it very close to 10 out of 10. Rifle is accompanied by a 1965 factory research letter from Bill Peace and a copy of the factory workbook showing the order for this gun and 19 others to Capt. C. F. Gennerich. Pictures don't do this rifle justice, it is just fantastic in person. All original, unmolested, and in exceptional condition. A real prize for any Sharps or Schuetzen collector. Jeremiah Johnson Trading sells antique arms manufactured prior to 1899 and muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions only. For the purpose of these conditions the term "antique arms" will also include muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions. Buyers must be 21 years of age or older and have no felony convictions to purchase antique arms. Antique arms do not require Federal licensing and may be shipped directly to the buyer with the following exceptions. No antique arms will be shipped to Washington D. C. or any of the five boroughs of New York City (or residents thereof). Some restrictions may apply to antique firearms shipped to California and will be noted in the item description if applicable. Any antique arm shipped to New Jersey or Ohio must ship to a licensed FFL holder, no exceptions. Any muzzleloading blackpowder reproduction rifle, shotgun, or handgun shipped to Illinois must ship to an FFL holder. Items containing antique ivory will not be sold or shipped to residents of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington. Antique muzzleloaders and antiques which fire obsolete cartridges may be shipped internationally however it is the responsibility of the buyer to know and abide by their local laws and provide proof that the antique arm is legal to receive and own. Payment can be made by money order, banker's check, personal check, credit card (no additional fees), or bank wire. Please allow 7-10 business days for clearance on personal checks. If paying by credit card please call us directly to process your order. Items are professionally packed and shipped USPS Priority Mail with insurance coverage for the sale price and signature required for delivery. Items valued over $5,000.00 are shipped Registered Mail. Buyer pays actual shipping costs with no added charge for packing materials or handling. We describe items accurately and thoroughly. If an item has been misrepresented or significant defect overlooked you may return it for a full refund (minus return shipping costs) within 3 days of having received it. This timeframe begins once the package is delivered by the carrier. Buyer's remorse or concerns over issues noted in the description and/or pictures is not a valid excuse for return. Returned items must be received in the same condition as originally shipped - cleaning, disassembly, alteration, or damage of any kind will void inspection privileges. Occasionally a post-1898 firearm from my personal collection may be sold under this account and any such transaction is a personal sale in no way affiliated with Jeremiah Johnson Trading. Any such arm will be shipped to a licensed FFL or C&R holder in accordance with Federal law. All antique arms are sold as collector's items and are not warranted safe for shooting. Please consult a competent gunsmith prior to shooting any firearm.

Price: $16,450.00                     Buy Now

Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .40-50 Sharps
Manufacturer: Sharps
Model: 1874 Schuetzen
Serial Number: 162203
Barrel Length: 30
Bore Condition: Excellent
Triggers: Double Set
Stock: Pistol grip/Cheekpiece
Butt Pad: Schuetzen
Sights: Globe front, Lawrence rear, Vernier Tang
Manufacture Date: 1878
Extras: Factory research etc