Complete Market Buffalo Hunter's Outfit

This lot includes a Sharps Model 1874 Old Reliable Sporting Rifle with the original buffalo fur covered traveling box, classic 5 1/4" wide belt sheath for two knives and one sharpener; 8 x 15" buffalo fur covered wood block butcher knife holder with 11 knives and 1 sharpener; another cylindrical butcher knife holder 8 3/4" tall, heavy leather covered, with 6 knives and 1 sharpener, a buffalo fur covered 9" wood drum canteen, with wire bale handle on top; two large chopping knives with sharpener for heavy work; 8 x 13" buffalo hide document case; 3 photos, one of buffalo skinners who worked with hunter, one of mounted buffalo head shot by hunter, and cabinet photo of brother of hunter. The included copy of the original Sharps ledger identifies this rifle (160704) as being shipped in April 1878 to A.L., Jr. The rifle is fitted with a heavy octagon barrel marked with a boxed "Old Reliable" followed by "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN." ahead of the rear sight and "45" at the breech on the top flat. The bottom barrel flat under the forearm is marked with the matching serial number (6 smaller than the other numbers) followed by a spread wing eagle. The inside of the forearm is numbered to the gun. Brass blade front and folding buckhorn/ladder style rear sights. The lock is unmarked, the left side of the receiver is marked with the two line Sharps patent date and the serial number is marked on the top, rear of the receiver. Double set triggers, the barrel was blue, remaining parts casehardened and mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with an iron buttplate. The original owner of this rig and the market hunter was Charles Parker, originally from Vincennes, Vermont (several prominent market hunters were from New England). This material represents the tools of the trade of the Buffalo market hunter, and was carried from hunt to hunt in a wagon, and only removed when in the immediate vicinity of the herd. The rifle was protected from damage and the weather in its fitted box 52" long wooden box, with a hinged lid, which secures closed with two leather straps, and holds its original brass cleaning rod. The knife sheath was worn on the belt and was only for food hunting, when the main tool supply was not needed. The fur covered canteen is large, as water was not always available on long hunts. Important papers could only be carried with some security and protection from weather in the pouch included. This rig is featured in "Man at Arms For The Gun Collector" pages 36-37. Possibly the best and most complete set extant. Rock Island Auction sold this extremely rare outfit seven years ago and we are fortunate enough to be able to have it for public sale again.

Estimated Price: $20,000 - $30,000