MR1322 PRESENTATION DELUXE ENGRAVED MODEL 1853 SHARPS SPORTING RIFLE; Caliber 44. Octagon heavy weight 26 inch barrel. Features a globe front sight, flip up Sharps rear sight and folding tang sight. This gun is in beautiful condition with fancy wood. Most original varnish remains. The silver presentation plaque on the side of the stock says “Presented by the Students in the Col. & Com Institute to their Military Instr. Lieut. Inman Bissell U.S.A. 1855″”. Very elaborately engraved. Entire receiver is covered with beautiful scroll engraving. There is a panel scene of a hunter on one side and a panel scene on the patch box on the opposite side. Gun has been engraved by Gustave Young in his typical style. Double set triggers. Fine bore. Rifle style buttplate.
Inman Bissell was highly decorated and gun comes with an abundance of information on him and his career. The provenance lists several well known collectors such as Norm Flayderman and Tom Seymore.
Gun has excellent markings and sharp corners. Engraving is sharp. Wood has a few minor dings. No splits or cracks. I believe this represents the finest engraving that Sharps offered. Just beautiful. This is a real piece of Americana.
ANTIQUE $ 27,500.
