Pedersoli Sharps 1874 R. Sanzogni Engraved 1/100 .45-70 Single Rifle, 1998
SOLD FOR: $4225
LSB#: 220115BS006
Make: Pedersoli; Cape Outfitters Importing
Model: Sharps 1874, Signed by R. Sanzogni 1/100
Serial Number: SH10631
Year of Manufacture: 1998 (BL Date Code)
Caliber: .45-70 Gov’t
Action Type: Lever Operated Falling Block Single Shot Centerfire Conversion Rifle w/ Double Set Triggers
Markings: The left bottom of the barrel is marked “CAPE OUTFITTERS IMPORTING – CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO.”, “SH10631”, “dp” in an oval, and “PEDERSOLI CAL.45-70 / MADE IN ITALY CAT.8997”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with two proof marks on the left and a Gardone proof and date code on the right. The bottom of the barrel is marked “CLX” and with two proof marks. The face of the receiver is marked “CLX” and “CAT. 8997”. The top of the forearm is marked “631” and “R”. The upper tang is marked with the serial number. The right side of the receiver contains a gold inlaid buffalo and the left has an engraved game scene. Both sides of the receiver, the controls, and the hammer have decorative floral scroll engraving. The left side of the lever and block are marked “631”. The right side of the receiver at the bottom is marked “R. Sanzogni 1/100”.
Barrel Length: 32” Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe sight with an interchangeable sight leaf (no additional leafs included). The rear sight is missing and only the base remains. Attached is a tang sight that is a fully adjustable Pedersoli peep aperture sight from which the aperture piece is missing. The left side of the elevator graduates from 0 to 3 in increments of halves.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered wood with a German silver capped forearm, pistol grip, straight comb, and a steel case colored buttplate. There are light compressions and draglines on the belly. There are other less frequently scattered faint marks throughout the rest of the wood. There are no chips and cracks. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 13 1/4” & 14 1/8” from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the steel buttplate, which shows little to no wear. The stocks rate in about Fine-Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some stubborn fouling in the grooves, there is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is light surface oxidation on the lower tang. There is a noticeable scuff on the left side of the barrel. There are some other infrequent faint marks on the barrel. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a green canvas hard display case. The case shows some scattered light discoloration and minor nicks and scuffs.
Our Assessment: Sharps rifles are a series of large-bore, single-shot, falling-block, breech-loading rifles, beginning with a design by Christian Sharps in 1848, and ceasing production in 1881. They were renowned for long-range accuracy. By 1874 the rifle was available in a variety of calibers, and it was one of the few designs successfully to be adapted to metallic cartridge use. The Sharps rifles became icons of the American Old West due to their appearances in many Western-genre films and books. Perhaps as a result, several rifle companies offer reproductions of the Sharps rifle. This is a centerfire Model 1874 manufactured in Italy by Pedersoli. This is a 1/100 R. Sanzogni engraved example that was manufactured in 1998. Sanzogni is Giovanelli’s head engraver and the roll die cutter for several Winchester, and Browning collector editions. His work is renowned in the world of engraving. This rifle is in Fine-Excellent condition with 97% original finish remaining. Please see our photos and good luck!