Lot 94: Sharps Model 1878 Borchardt Short Range Rifle

These Short Range target rifles with panel sided action are very scarce. Only 153 are estimated to have been manufactured per Frank Sellers in "Sharps Firearms" on page 275. It has a modern combination blade and globe front sight, "Old Reliable" and the Sharps Bridgeport address marked on top of the barrel, "CAL. 40 2 1/2" marked on the left side of the barrel near the breech, checkered Schnabel forearm, modern ladder peep sight mounted on the integral base of the upper tang, checkered pistol grip stock with hard rubber grip cap, and a checkered hard rubber buttplate. The bottom of the barrel is marked "LLL" ahead of "17063" in front of the lug. The matching serial number "17063" is also marked on the tail of the forearm and bottom of the action.

Good as turned to a gray patina overall with scattered light spotting and light pitting. Wood is very good as recheckered with scattered scratches and dents, a few chips, some light crazing, and nice checkering. Mechanically excellent.