The Model 1878 is an internal hammer, breech loading single shot rifle manufactured from 1878 to 1881 with a total production of approximately 6,900 in the military configuration with a number sold to foreign countries. The top of the barrel is marked "Old Reliable" in script and "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN." behind the rear sight. The left side of the receiver is marked "BORCHARDT PATENT./SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT CONN./U.S.A." with the serial number stamped ahead of the trigger. It is equipped with a square base blade front sight/bayonet lug with removable hood, military style rear sight graduated to 1,400 yards and sliding trigger safety. Military style stock with two barrel bands, checkered steel buttplate and a letter "B" cartouche stamped on the buttstock (left side).

Excellent. The rifle retains 90% plus original blue finish, otherwise faded to a plum with some light spotting. The breech block retains traces original case colors. The wood is near excellent with a few barely noticeable hairline stress cracks on the wrist and some minor handling marks. The cartouche is clear. Mechanically excellent.