Advice on how to best sell 2 original 1874 Sharps Rifles

[762 shooter]

Hi guys,

The title says it all. I have two original 1874 Sharps Rifles that I would like to sell. I have a rough idea about what they are worth. One has a letter.

Should I get an appraisal and where? I doubt someone would pay the money that I think they are worth by looking at a picture on the internet. Should I look to one of the large gun auctions such as Butterfield?

I have been putting this off for 15 years and now it's time to poop or get off the pot and get them out of the safe.

If it is appropriate I can post pics here. I usually do my own values, but these rifles are out of my league. 44-77 and 45-70.

Any suggestions for a direction to start will be appreciated. Even the ones where they are "dangerous and please send them to me for disposal".:bigsmyl2:

What would you do?

762

[Ecramer]

They are dangerous -- please send them to me for disposal (had to be said). Have you tried looking on Gunbroker for similar guns, to see what sort of bids they're bringing?

[wch]

I'd start by looking at the "for sale" link at assra.com forum. You could ask the opinion of these shooters as to price, also.
This forum is for single shot shooters; other options would be gunbrokers site and the other gun auction sites on the internet.
Do a google search for "buy an original Sharps rifle" or "original Sharps rifle for sale".

[country gent]

Get a couple apprasials from knowlegdable dealers, then check and see what they are actually bringing on the market thru gunbroker, and several other websites. Not whats being asked but what final Bids are. Cjeck with assra and others that sell vintage firearms. with the appraisals and actual condition in letter form this can be faxed or e-mailed to get value from groups who sell ( auction houses internet sites and private shops). Getting the apprasial in letter form is improtant for this reason and also because in a few months sellers may not take well this guy said this and the original appraisers may not remeber the rifles so would mean another trip to get appraisal.

[oldred]

No, send them to ME for disposal, that other varmint just wants them for himself! :mrgreen:


I don't have any advice on selling them but PLEASE post pics of them, it's a rare opportunity for some of us to get to see the real McCoy and I'm sure most everyone here would appreciate the chance to see these fine old rifles.

[John Allen]

It really depends on the model and condition. I picked up a 1863 conversion for $1200.00 in good shape. Why don't you post pics and description here and the single shot forum.

[Rusty Goose]

Chances are i can't afford the box you'd ship them in, but I'd love to see some pictures anyway!

Rusty

[DaveCampbell]

If you are sure of the "ballpark" value of the rifles, give Gunbroker a try. Make sure you have a reserve price. If they don't sell there, then Butterfield might be a better option. Before you sign on with Butterfield make sure you understand their business terms. I think it would be in your best interest to have the auctioneer tack on a buyer's fee rather than take a percentage out of the winning bid.

Like others have said, please post some pics. We love gun porn.

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When any nation mistrusts its citizens with guns, it is sending a clear message. It no longer trusts its citizens because such a government has evil plans. --George Washington

[762 shooter]

The Hartford Cal. 44-77 1874 Business rifle Half Oct/Half Round

http://i44.tinypic.com/2yyy4bo.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/6yffrb.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/1113vk5.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/4ikaqv.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/6504sj.jpg

The Bridgeport Cal. 45-70 1874 Business rifle Half Oct/Half Round Double set triggers

http://i42.tinypic.com/2cy63ah.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/ic6bkp.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/53pzc1.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/1g1uu1.jpg

Sharps 1974 Business Rifle...........Oops

http://i40.tinypic.com/2rc79yv.jpg

My problem with Gunbroker is that these never come up for auction. Someone added the pistol grip to the Hartford a long time ago. The screw holding it on hasn't been made for over 100 years. I have RCBS dies for the 44-77 and have shot it. It is a bruiser! Both have mirror bores.

I don't have to sell them, but I would like to sell them.

I bought these because of that damn Quigley movie. I have a Shiloh in 45-70 and it satisfies my Quigley fix.

762

[Marvin S]

You may give a heads up as to where these will be for sale at. I might be interested in the 44-77.

[45-70 Chevroner]

Very fine looking rifles. Now just charge every one on here a $1.00 each that looks at them and then you won't have to sell them. The checks in the mail.

[762 shooter]

Thanks guys. Got me some directions to go now. Will keep you posted.

[451 Pete]

Shooter, a couple of thoughts for you. First I would try a different web site called Guns International for a quick idea of pricing as original rifles show up on there a lot more often than on Gun Broker. Secondly you may want to put these on consignment with someone like Monty Whitley, a site that caters to antique arms, to get the most out of them. I am sure Monty Whitley or one of the other antique gun dealers also can give you an idea of the value. Lastly purchase the latest edition of a Flaydermans Guide to Antique American Firearms. This reference book will allow you to better identify the exact rifle model that you have as it lists a number of variations along with giving a price range associated with condition. Pricing for an original Sharps can be over a very wide range, depending on model sub divisions and condition. The Business Rifle as listed in my copy of Flaydermans 9th Edition ranges in pricing from Good $3500 to Fine at $5750 as an example. Yours that is lettered may bring a bit more IMO.

Hope this helps ..... Pete

[excello]

The one you are calling a Bridgeport" Business" rifle appears to have a thick, earlier style lock plate with different contouring under the hammer. The Hartford has the correct "thin" style lockplate for an 1874. Some sporting rifles were built up on earlier thick lockplate actions. Research this lockplate thing thoroughly!! I have Frank Seller's big Sharps book and can look into this a bit more tonite when I get home.

excello

Also - Contact Bill Goodman in Bozeman , Montana. He deals in Sharps rifles old and new. You can find his website if you do a search.

[762 shooter]

Will Do.