This is an exceptional example of a Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 Long Range Rifle as manufactured by the Sharps Rifle Company. This late production rifle has an all nickel finish and the receiver sides have brown hard rubber panels. Through 1878 these panels were installed at an extra cost, but after had they were standard at no extra cost on the target grade rifles. The barrel is fitted with a windage adjustable globe sight and two folding leaf rear sight, and the upper tang is equipped with a long range vernier peep sight. Approximately 1 1/2" ahead of the rear sight is a single drilled and tapped hole. The rifle has the standard single trigger with an automatic sliding safety mounted behind the trigger. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard bracketed "OLD RELIABLE", followed by "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN.". The left rear of the barrel is marked "CAL. 40 2 1/2". There left side of the receiver is marked with the Sharps address/U.S.A." marking (partially covered by the side panel) over the serial number and "PAT DEC . 1876.". The rifle is mounted with nicely figured checkered walnut Schnabel forearm and pistol grip stock with grip cap and checkered horn buttplate. Sharps manufactured 230 Model 1878 Long Range Rifles between October 1877 and May 1880. The Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 single shot rifle is considered by Sharps authorities to be the ultimate development of the 19th Century, U.S. single shot rifle action. Although the Model 1878 Long Range Rifle was made in very limited numbers it was used in competition by long range target shooters for over 20 years. When RIA checked with Sharps, we were advised that there was no record for this serial number.

Very fine as period, possibly retailer, replated with 98% nickel finish remaining showing some overall scattered minor dings and some minor flaking on the receiver. The wood is also very fine with scattered minor dings and dents, and crisp checkering. The markings are readable. The mechanics are excellent. A very attractive "Panel-Side" Sharps-Borchardt!