Catalog Auction info Auction #140 - Two-Day Sale, November 18th & 19th (#140) 11/18/2023 9:00 AM EST Closed Starts Ending 11/18/2023 9:00 AM EST Auction Info Lot #128 Very Rare & Important Cased Sharps Model 1851 Percussion Sporting Carbine Of Prominent Fur Trader Pierre Chouteau, Jr. Click image to enlarge PreviousNextSimilar Items Lot closed - Sold Price (Including Buyer`s Premium):$21,600 Estimate: $25,000 - $35,000 Description Description: serial #1747, .427 cal (60 bore), 21 5/8” round barrel with a bright very fine to perhaps near excellent bore showing a little oxidation nearer the muzzle and otherwise crisp rifling. This is a lovely example of the very early and low-production Model 1851 Sharps with distinctive “box lock” action featuring the internally mounted hammer, further enhanced as a fully cased piece with accouterments and presentation to Pierre Chouteau, Jr. The carbine itself remains in very fine condition, the barrel retaining about 92% original plum-brown finish showing some scattered light handling marks, subtle thinning under bright light and mild speckles of oxidation. The barrel retains crisp “ROBBINS & LAWRENCE” maker marking and a small “J” stamp on the left shank. The action is toning to a pleasant mix of silver and smoky case-hardened patina showing a little mild oxidation speckling and some small tool marks along the edges near the breech and atop the breechblock itself that are relatively unobtrusive. There are some generous wisps of vibrant case-hardened colors scattered about the action and quite strong along the sides of the lever. The lockplate and Maynard tape primer cover retain perhaps 70% original brilliant fire blue showing some overall thinning and flaking to gray-brown patina and some other light dings, many of the small parts also retaining much of their fine fire blue, the screw heads with light slot wear. All action markings remain intact and strong with Edward Maynard patent mark on the cover and C. Sharps patent mark and serial number along the upper tang. The barrel band, patch box and buttplate have all taken on a handsome medium ocher patina and the smooth walnut forend and buttstock remain in very fine condition retaining about 95% antique varnish, much of which appears to be original, with a few touched up areas around some old repairs and the varnish taking on a fine craquelure. The stocks show the expected scattered light dings and handling marks, some thin slivers and a couple minor cracks around the action edges, and small neat repairs at the toe, below the lockplate and right of upper tang. The stocks otherwise maintain a nice appearance overall and all of the numbered parts are matching. The carbine is sighted with its original tang sight, fine v-notch elevation adjustable rear sight and target globe with fine bead-on-post, the globe bent slightly. The lock seems to function well mechanically. The carbine includes its original wooden case with brass reinforced corners rating about very fine with scattered dings and dents from honest stowage, the lid with a number of thin cracks, a few lengthy but showing older repairs. A silver plate is inlaid atop the lid and finely engraved “Pierre Chouteau Jr. / St. Louis. 1853”. The interior is lined in green baize and French-fitted to the carbine showing some honest scuffing, mild discoloration and a few small holes through the base of the case. The case holds a number of attractive antique accessories, a few no doubt later than the arm itself, the selection of bullets no doubt cast not too long ago. The case contains an antique hickory cleaning jag, excellent condition nickel-plated “Fox”-marked capping tool, a full japanned tin of Maynard tape primers along with two extra tapes, marbled paper-covered Eley No. 1 percussion caps (much later due to smokeless powder callout), rosewood-handled turn screw, later US martial oiler, key, and a French-fitted compartment that holds what is likely the original conical bullet mould that remains in fine condition showing honest use. Pierre Chouteau, Jr. was born in 1789 in St. Louis, new Spain Province of Louisiana, his grandfather, Pierre Laclede Liquest, actually one of the city founders. Chouteau took up the well-established family business in the fur trade and was eventually hired by John Jacob Astor as a St. Louis manager of the famous American Fur Trading Company. Chouteau eventually took over the company which he operated until 1864. Chouteau and his son Charles were also in the business of transporting gold seekers and cargo to Montana and Idaho gold camps during the 1860s. Pierre, Jr. was the brainchild of Fort Union ?and namesake of Fort Pierre and Pierre, South Dakota. Legend has it that he brought this carbine with him up the Missouri River to Fort Benton, Montana in the 1850s. Also included are a pair of books pertinent to Chouteau “The Chouteaus First Family of the Fur Trade” by Stan Hoig and “Fort Union and the Upper Missouri Fur Trade” by Barton H. Barbour. Only 1,857 of this model were manufactured in total, only a handful known to be cased, and this is likely the only example with definitive identification. This carbine is also pictured and described on pages 118 and 119 of “Sharps Firearms Volume I” by Marcot, Marron and Paxton, who also note 79 carbines in this configuration were probably made. This is a wonderful piece of American firearms history connected to a pioneering family whose exploits west of the Mississippi River advanced frontier society. (13F11135-9) {ANTIQUE} (25,000/35,000) Categories: firearm Terms and conditions TERMS & CONDITIONS OF SALE The following paragraphs represent the terms under which all sales by Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. are conducted. Bidding on any item in the sale indicates the bidder’s full acceptance and understanding of all terms and conditions of sale. Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. has taken great care in the preparation of the descriptions in this catalog. Although we believe everything in the descriptions to be true, we do not guarantee any part of any description. We recommend that the bidders view the items in person and form their own opinions as to condition, originality, origin, etc. Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. will consider all requests for refunds. If a customer is unhappy with a purchase, we will be happy to discuss a remedy with them. All requests for refunds must be made within 30 days of the sale date. Therefore, it is important that absentee bidders pay for their items in a timely fashion. All requests for refunds received after 30 days of the sale date will not be considered. Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. reserves the right to reject any bid in order to protect our consignor’s interests. PAYMENT POLICY All invoices are payable upon receipt. Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. will accept cash, check, wire transfer, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express as payment for items purchased. Online payment is available for buyers directly through the online invoicing process. 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GUIDELINES FOR FIREARM DELIVERIES All Federal, State and Local firearms laws will be strictly adhered to. FFL holders may take possession of any firearm on day of sale (excluding Class III) when they present a signed copy of their Federal Firearms License. If an FFL dealer is sending an “agent” to pick up items, that person must be a bona fide, paid employee of the company with a W4 on file. Outside contractors cannot be used as pickup agents. A SIGNED LETTER FROM THE FFL STATING THIS FACT MUST BE PRESENTED AT TIME OF PICK UP. The FFL Dealer will in turn be notified that a transfer was made to you as their agent. New Hampshire residents over the age of 21 may take possession of any firearm, on day of sale, provided the proper paperwork is completed and the transfer has been approved either through the N.H. State Police or the FBI NICS System, whichever is appropriate based upon the type of firearm(s) purchased. 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If you are the winning bidder of an item that you find does not comply with your state’s laws, you will still be required to pay your invoice, Amoskeag Auction Co. will then re-offer the arm on your behalf. FIREARM CLASSIFICATION: ANTIQUE - no paperwork required MODERN - Post-1898 firearm which requires an FFL or 4473 with corresponding successful background check in order to be delivered. C&R - for firearms that fall under the ATF Curio & Relics licensing and if purchased by a person with a “C&R License” no paperwork is required. NOTE: Items that meet the age requirements but have been altered from their original configuration may NOT be delivered on a C&R License. ABSENTEE/TELEPHONE/ON-LINE BIDDING • As a service to our buyers, Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. will accept absentee bids from bidders who cannot attend the sale. Bidders without prior credit approval are required to submit a 20% deposit prior to bids being accepted (credit cards may be used for absentee deposits). 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SHIPPING • Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. will make every effort to ship items in a timely fashion. All items, with the exception of modern handguns, are shipped via UPS Ground unless other arrangements have been made. All merchandise is shipped Signature Required. • All modern handguns are shipped via UPS Next Day Air service. • Buyer is responsible for any and all shipping charges and for insurance on the items being shipped. Purchasers who self-insure can forego insurance charges if Amoskeag Auction is notified of your intent to self-insure. PICKING UP MERCHANDISE • Pickup will be by appointment only. • OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY AND TUESDAY FOLLOWING THE SALE. No merchandise will be delivered on those days. We will resume normal business hours on Wednesday. • Our office hours are Monday through Friday - 8:00 am to 4:00pm.
