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The fascinating rifle below was sold by Cowan's Auctions in October 2013. Cowan's thought is that the rifle could be the work of Charles Overbaugh.

Charles E. Overbaugh has been reported as at one time Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company's chief travelling salesman and exhibition shooter. He was instrumental in the design of Sharps Model 1877 Long Range Rifle. In 1878 he established his own business, C. E. Overbaugh & Co. Manufacturers and Dealers in Guns, Rifles, and Sporting Goods.

American Primer Ignition Long Range Deluxe Rifle

Lot Description: .45 caliber, 34" round barrel with Rigby flats. False muzzle. Very fine banknote-style engraving on the action, pistol grip cap and the rear tang sight base. Fancy checkered walnut stock with pistol grip and engraved metal cap. Fleur-de-lis checkered forearm with engraved metal nosecap. Checkered metal buttplate. Base for rear sight but no staff. Front sight missing. No markings other than engraved monogram with three initials on the top of the frame. Engraving is that typically attributed to L.D. Nimschke. A very rare and unusual rifle that is very high quality. It is our thought that this could be the work of Charles Overbaugh.

Condition: Barrel retains 95% of the original blue finish with some light speckling. Frame retains most of the original case colors, just lightly muted. Wood is excellent with some nicks and dings. Bore is excellent. Outstanding unusual long range-style rifle.

Primer Ignition Long Range Rifle

Primer Ignition Long Range Rifle

Primer Ignition Long Range Rifle

Primer Ignition Long Range Rifle

Primer Ignition Long Range Rifle

Primer Ignition Long Range Rifle

Primer Ignition Long Range Rifle

Primer Ignition Long Range Rifle

Does anyone have any suggestion as to what the slot in the forend may have been used for? During this period long range target shooting rules did not permit the attachment of slings, or the use of other artificial support.

Sold: 22/23 October 2013. US$3,737.50
Dealer: Cowan's Auctions
Firearms and Militaria: Live Salesroom Auction Lot Number 240

Reproduced with permission