This is an attractive and desirable example of a Sharps Borchardt Model 1878 sporting rifle chambered for the .45-70 cartridge. The Sharps Rifle Co. manufactured a total of 860 Model 1878 sporting rifles with octagon barrels between October 1877-October 1881. Most of these saw heavy use on the Western frontier for buffalo hunting, with this high condition example having seen very little use. The rifle has a blued 30-inch heavy octagon barrel that is marked on top with "OLD RELIABLE" in script followed by "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN." ahead of the rear sight, and "CAL.45 2 1/10" (.45-70 Government) on the left of the breech. The left of the receiver is roll-stamped "BORCHARDT PATENT/SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT CONN./U.S.A." in three lines. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver, barrel underneath the forearm, and on the rear flat of the forearm. The receiver, breech block, and lever have a casehardened finish. The walnut buttstock and forearm are uncheckered and have an oiled finish, with a checkered shotgun style buttplate. The barrel is fitted with a dovetail mounted flip-up Beach style front sight and R.S. Lawrence patent folding ladder rear sight.

Exceptionally fine, retains 90% original blue finish on the barrel and 75% original case colors with some slight fading and smooth gray patina on the balance along with some light freckling, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. The wood is very fine with numerous scattered scratches and light dings, and otherwise defined edges. Mechanically excellent. This attractive .45-70 chambered Sharps Borchardt rifle would make a fine addition to any early American sporting rifle collection!