Custom Sharps-Borchardt 1878 .45-70? Single Shot Rifle, 1878-1881 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1050
LSB#: 210906MB27
Make: Sharps Rifle Co.
Model: Custom 1878 Rifle
Serial Number: 19779
Year of Manufacture: 1878-1881
Caliber: We were not able to determine the chambering and there are no markings on the barrel. The bore is approximately .45 Caliber. A .45-70 cartridge chambers, but it may not be the actual chambering. A .45-110 cartridge will not enter the chamber all the way. The chamber should be cast to confirm chambering.
Action Type: Single-Shot Breech-Loading Rifle
Markings: The left of the receiver is marked “SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN. / 19779 / Pat. DEC. 1876.”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “19779” between the trigger and lever. The left of the receiver is engraved with a bullfighting scene, the right with a scene showing a deer chased by dogs or wolves. Surrounding the scenes is relief scroll engraving which appears to be acid-etched.
Barrel Length: 35 1/2?, Round. The outside diameter of the barrel is approximately 0.875″ at the muzzle and 1.130″ where it meets the receiver.
Sights / Optics: There are no sights installed or included. There is a dovetail at the front of the barrel for a front sight. There is currently no provision for a rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with pewter-capped forend, steel capped pistol grip, straight comb, checkered steel buttplate and a sling stud in the belly. There is a deep groove between the grip and the buttstock. There is a gap between the forend and the receiver. The forend has cracks at the bottom-rear and bottom-front with a few other scattered minor marks. The buttstock has some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, most toward the rear. The portion of the stock behind the grip shows light sanding with most areas sanded through the finish. There is a small loss to the left of the buttplate’s top tang. The LOP measures 13 7/8? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear, mostly at the heel, and well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in about Good-Very Good condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished, the barrel is not original to the receiver.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its current metal finish. The barrel has a mottled appearance, likely having been cold-blued with stronger finish toward the muzzle-end and areas toward the breech worn or polished white. The barrel has some scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches and spots of minor oxidation. The receiver’s finish is generally strong with some scattered minor erosion under the finish. There is some minor surface oxidation, mostly on the right-rear and some light nicks, mostly under the finish. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with serviceable slots. Remaining markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition as refinished and customized Antique.
Mechanics: If the lever is closed quickly, the sear doesn’t catch and the striker falls forward. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The lever locks up tight. The trigger is crisp,m though a little heavy. There is a sliding safety behind the trigger which engages automatically when the action is opened. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Assessment: Christian Sharps introduced one of America’s first and most successful breech-loading rifles with design starting in 1850 and improvements continuing into the 1870s and the metallic cartridge era. This rifle is a Model 1878 Military Rifle, just about the most advanced single-shot breech-loading design of the 19th century. The action utilizes the patent of Hugo Borchardt and is a hammerless falling-block design with an automatic trigger safety engaged when the action is opened fully. This example has been customized with a 35 1/2″ replacement barrel, though we do not know exactly what it is chambered for. In addition to its new barrel, the receiver has had custom engraving and a new blue finish applied. The 1878 models were only made for four years and this would make for a great display in a Sharps collection or a very worthwhile restoration project. Its great bore also promises to make for a nice gun for BPCR shooting once you’ve determined the exact chambering. Please see our photos and good luck!