Custom Sharps-Borchardt 1878 .219 Zipper Single Shot Rifle, 1878-81 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,700.00
LSB#: WY240714SE002
Make: Sharps Rifle Co.
Model: Custom 1878 Rifle
Serial Number: 6174
Year of Manufacture: 1878-1881
Caliber: .219 Zipper
Action Type: Single-Shot Breech-Loading Rifle
Markings: The left of the receiver is marked “BORCHARDT PATENT /SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN. /USA.”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “6174” between the trigger and lever. The left side of the chamber is marked “.219 ZIP/ C.C. JOHNSON”
Barrel Length: 26”, Round. The outside diameter of the barrel is approximately 0.865? at the muzzle and 1.220? where it meets the receiver.
Sights / Optics: There are no sights installed or included. There are two blocks shaped for scope mounts near the chamber.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with semi schnabel forend, horn capped pistol grip, straight comb, and a proud, serratted plastic buttplate marked “BISHOP STOCKS”. There are a few other scattered minor marks. The buttstock has some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, most toward the rear. The LOP measures 13 ? inches 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 Very Good condition.
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. 9.5/10 bore rating in this writer’s opinion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its current metal finish. 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. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition as refinished and customized Antique.
Mechanics: The action does not function correctly. The lever locks up tight. The trigger is not connecting with the sear upon closing. 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 26? replacement barrel, in addition to its new barrel, the receiver has 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. It’s great bore also promises to make for a nice gun for BPCR shooting once you’ve determined the exact issue with the fire control; Rare gun and a rare opportunity to own such a low serial number. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition in our high quality photos. Good luck on your bid. -K.F.
