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  • /Lot 1075

Lot 1075:Documented Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 Short Range Rifle

August 16th, 2025|Bedford, TX
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  • /Lot 1075

Lot 1075:Documented Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 Short Range Rifle

August 16th, 2025|Bedford, TX
Estimated Price$2,500 - $3,750
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Desirable Documented Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 Short Range Single Shot Rifle with Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1879, only 153 are estimated to have been manufactured per Frank Sellers in "Sharps Firearms" on page 275. The included factory letter confirms this "short range" rifle was invoiced at the Bridgeport factory to John P. Moore's Sons, a large gun dealer/distributor in New York, on 8 December 1879. Page 229 of "Sharps Firearms, Volume IV" by Marcot, Paxton, and Marron Jr. also lists this serial number as part of the aforementioned shipment. The left side of the action is marked with the standard three-line Sharps address and Borchardt patent. The top of the barrel is marked "Old Reliable" without a boxed border and with the Sharps Bridgeport address, while the caliber marking "CAL 40 1 /78" (.40-45 Rem. or .40-50 Sharps) is on the left. The serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame in front of the trigger, on the bottom of the barrel along with "L/L/L" in script, and on the rear face of the forearm. It is fitted with a windage adjustable globe front sight, a folding ladder rear sight, a peep sight mounted on the integral base of the upper tang, and an adjustable trigger. It is mounted with a multi-point checkered, Schnabel tip forearm and multi-point checkered pistol grip stock with a checkered hard rubber buttplate with the Sharps monogram at the center.

ConditionVery good, retains 40% of the faded original blue finish with some light thinning and the muzzle and a few light scratches. Faint traces of the original case colors remain with the balance a silvery grey patina. The wood is fine with some scattered minor scratches and dings, restored checkering on the forearm, and a couple hairline cracks and light chips at the wrist. Mechanically excellent.
Details
ManufacturerSharps Rifle Manufacturing Company
Model1878 Borchardt
TypeRifle
Serial number
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge40-50 Sharps Straight
Barrel26 inch round
Finishblue/casehardened
Stockwalnut
Bore conditionThe bore is frosted with some light spotting and crisp rifling.

Item LocationBedford, TX
Views203
Catalog page74
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