Buffalo Bill Cody 1874 Sharps. S/N 936, .45x2 7/8 (.45-110) caliber, 30 inch 16 pound barrel, Sharps. Original wood was painted red during period of use, slivers of wood are missing from both sides of the forearm, and a large piece of the stock along the tang is missing, necessitating a reinforcing wrap of heavy rawhide. Double set triggers, original sights. Condition: bore condition not a factor, metal parts are a dark plum/brown color, barrel sight has the elevator/ladder missing, mechanically very good. Includes large museum display board 34" x 58".
Sharps #936 was in the Corder/Evans Trading Post in Pine Ridge, SD for years. It was originally given to Louis Shangreau, a mixed blood Sioux from the Pine Ridge reservation, by William “Buffalo Bill” Cody for services rendered. Shangreau, along with the Corder/Evans Trading Post worked for Cody, procuring Native Americans to work in Cody’s Wild West. Shangreau gave the rifle to a Sioux named Eagle Hawk for caring for Shangreau’ sick son. Eagle Hawk’s son, Joseph, traded it to the Trading Post in 1940 and it stayed in the Trading Post Museum until the entire museum was purchased in 1991. A faded tag from the museum remains with the rifle. The rifle was displayed at the Buffalo Museum in Scottsdale Arizona until it's closing.
Lot 637, Sold $30,680
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 21st & 22nd, 2022 - Mesa, AZ.