^Lot 73 RARE Sharps Model 1874 Long Range No. 1 Single Shot Rifle Associated With L.C. Bruce

Made by the Sharps Rifle Company at Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1876. Rifle is listed in Factory Letter as being at the factory twice, leaving the first time a Model 1874 Long Range No. 1 to Henry C. Squires of New York, NY. Squires was a huge dealer of sporting goods around the late 1800's into the turn of the century. The second time, no model or reason is given for the return other than cost and a list of accessories. This rifle has a silver plaque on the right side of the stock that is engraved "Lieut L.C. Bruce / World's Champion / 1877". It is well known Leslie Combs Bruce shot the highest score at Creedmoor in 1877 defeating the British and Irish for the World's Championship. One can speculate as the factory letter does not show direct purchase. Did Bruce borrow this rifle from the Squires Firm and shoot it in this match? Upon return did Squires have this rifle embossed with the silver plate as a marketing item? The equivalent today might be a guitar used by Elvis. These shooters were the celebrities of the day and their opinion carried a lot of weight. The actual reason is lost to history. This rifle features a blued 34" half-octagon tapered barrel with globe spirit level front sight. No rear sight provision with tang having a long range Vernier sight numbered "156871" and measuring 6" from top to pivot point. Barrel is serial numbered to gun under forearm and is marked with "Old Reliable" stamping and Bridgeport address with "Cal 45" marking at breech. Case-hardened 1874 action with checkered single trigger control and Sharps 1869 patent on left. Walnut checkered pistol grip stock with steel checkered butt plate and base for heel sight. Grip is checkered in lieu of a grip cap. Walnut checkered Schnabel forearm with serial number penciled on inside. A super rifle with factory letter and Squires Catalog print. Jack T. Livengood Collection. CALIBER: 45 - 2-4/10. S/N: 156871. FFL STATUS: Antique.
CONDITION
Retains 90% finish on barrel with fading and light oxidation from poor storage. 80% fading case colors with handling areas oxidizing. Wood has areas of original finish with checkering starting to dull from handling. Good bore with great mechanics.