Pedersoli Taylors Co. 1874 Sharps Little Betsy .22 LR 24″ Single Shot Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,148.00
LSB#: LSB260803CC005
Make: Davide Pedersoli, Italy. Imported by Taylor’s & Co., Winchester, VA.
Model: 1874 Sharps Little Betsy
Serial Number: SH45335
Year of Manufacture: 2023 (23 Date Code) / Modern
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Breech Loading, Falling Block, Single Shot
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked Taylor’s & Co., Inc. Winchester, VA”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with a couple proof marks, and the “23” date code. The bottom of the action bars are marked with a couple proof marks and the serial number. The right and left sides of the receiver are factory engraved with tasteful floral engraving.
Barrel Length: 24″; 1:15″ Twist Rate.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe sight, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable Creedmoor peep sight, screwed to the top tang.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece smooth walnut stock set, with a straight grip, straight comb, steel buttplate, and a tapered schnabel tipped forend. The LOP measures 14″ from the front trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks show light wear, with a few light compressions on the toe of the buttstock. Also on the toe of the buttstock is a 1″ long crack. The crack is minor, and does not compromise the structural integrity of the stock. The finish on the stocks is intact. The stocks fit tightly to the frame, with no play. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: White Steel (Receiver), Blued (Barrel, Buttplate).
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows no notable wear. There are some very minor superficial imperfections throughout the metal surfaces that should clean up well. The markings and engravings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with its original serial number matching box, owner’s manual/paperwork, along with a spare buckhorn U-notch rear sight and riser to fit in the existing dovetail on the barrel, spare globe front sight, and 17 spare globe sight reticles.
Our Assessment: The Pedersoli 1874 Sharps Little Betsy is a scaled sporting interpretation of the famous Sharps falling-block rifle, combining the character and operation of the classic 19th-century design with the economical .22 LR cartridge. Manufactured in Italy by Davide Pedersoli and imported by Taylor’s & Co., this 2023 example features a 24″ barrel, globe front sight, tang-mounted Creedmoor aperture sight, factory floral engraving, and traditional walnut furniture. Its precision-style sighting system and falling-block action make it particularly well suited for recreational target shooting while preserving much of the look and feel of a traditional Sharps rifle.
This rifle is in Very Good to Fine condition overall, retaining about 98% of its original metal finish with only minor superficial imperfections. The smooth walnut stocks remain in Very Good condition with a few light compressions at the toe and a minor approximately 1″ crack in the same area that does not presently compromise the structural integrity of the stock. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10/10, while the falling-block action functions correctly. It includes its serial-number-matching factory box, owner’s manual and paperwork, spare buckhorn rear sight and riser, spare globe front sight, and 17 additional globe sight inserts. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.