75. Sharps Model 1859 Percussion "Berdan Model" Rifle

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serial #55881, .52 cal. percussion, 30" barrel with a good bore showing strong evident rifling with some oxidation and minor pitting. Metal surfaces are an overall very pleasing light plum and pewter patina and are mostly smooth with only some sparsely scattered very light pinprick pitting. All the appropriate markings are present and fully legible, the left barrel flat showing an "O.W.A." inspectors marking. The buttstock and forend rate very good as lightly refinished with no evident cartouche and some old repaired cracks at the left and right side of the tang. The gun is equipped with double set triggers and has no lug for bayonet, having been designed to use an angular socket bayonet; there is no lever lock as-is correct for Berdan model rifles. The barrel is appropriately serial numbered to the frame, the front band spring shows some nice fire temper blue as does the takedown lever. Both the lock and double set trigger mechanisms function well. Overall a very good example of a rare Berdan sharpshooters configuration Sharps rifle in the correct serial number range. (34962-9) {ANTIQUE} [Frank Burg Collection] (8000/12,000) SOLD FOR $11,500.00