^Lot 1011 Unique Unmarked 19th Century Prototype Single Shot Falling Block Rifle Chambered for Sharps Cartridg

This rifle features a 30 inch heavy part octagon barrel that appears to be chambered for the 40-50 bottle necked Sharps cartridge and fitted with a globe front sight, and no provisions for a rear sight. The falling block action is gilded and features a hand done "jewelling". The trigger guard also serves as the action lever. The hammer must be at half cock in order for the action to function. It is equipped with a mid-range tang mounted peep sight. There are no markings on the rifle and it is mounted with a smooth varnished deluxe walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine style steel buttplate.
BBL: 30 inch part octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 40-50 Sharps
Finish: blue/gold
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Very fine. The barrel has a smooth plum patina with streaks of the original blue finish. The action retains 95% gilding with some flaking on either side of the breech block. The wood is excellent with 99% original varnish and showing a few overall scattered minor scratches and dents. The action is excellent. A unique prototype single shot rifle in the desirable 40-50 Sharps caliber.