This is an example of an extremely rare Sharps Model 1878 Officers Model rifle. Only 48 of these military rifles with paneled actions were made. They were made with medium fancy grade walnut stocks and forearms and the finish was of extra quality. The top of the barrel behind the rear sight is marked "Old Reliable" and "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN.". The Old Reliable mark does not have the box normally found around it. The bottom of the receiver is marked "PAT DEC. 1876." over the serial number ahead of the trigger. The rear sight is the special Barnes patent sight found only on the late Sharps military style rifles and the front sight is a fixed blade on a block. The barrel was blue, with casehardened receiver and lever and each side of the receiver has an inlaid walnut panel. Mounted with a smooth varnished full forearm and straight grip stock with a checkered iron shotgun style buttplate, and iron cleaning rod. Almost without exception these Officers Rifles" were given as prizes in rifle matches or to influential men in military circles, with very few being sold. This specific rifle is pictured and identified by serial number on page 274 of the "Sharps Firearms" book by Frank Sellers. Provenance: Dr. R.L Moore.

Very good as modified (see above). The barrel has a mottled grayish brown patina with some scattered minor pitting. The receiver has a mottled gray and brown patina, showing much of the original casehardening pattern and some minor pitting. The lever has a dark gray patina with moderate pitting. The barrel has been shortened at the muzzle by about 3/4" (subsequent to the photograph in the Sharps Book) . The wood has been freshened with a coat of varnish some time ago and remains very good with a couple minor chips on the cleaning rod channel and overall scattered minor dings, dents and scratches. The buttplate has a dark patina with some moderate pitting. The markings are clear. The action is very good.