Sharps Borchardt 1878 Deluxe Mid-Range Single Shot Rifle .40-65, Antique
SOLD FOR : $4,525.00
LSB#: WY240823JH007
Make: Sharps Rifle Co.
Model: 1878 Deluxe Mid-Range
Serial#: 7102
Year of Manufacture: 1878 to 1881
Caliber: .40-65 Black Powder
Action Type: Single-Shot, Shrouded Falling Block Action with Extractor
Markings: The underside of the receiver is marked, “PAT. DEC. 1876 / 7102”. The top of the barrel is marked, “Old Reliable / SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN.
Barrel Length: 30” Round
Sights/ Optics: This rifle has an an adjustable globe front sight with a spirit level. The insert for it is missing. The rear sight is an adjustable Vernier tang sight with a small peep hole fixed to the rear tang. The top of the barrel has a flip up V-notch ladder sight marked out to 8.
Stock Configuration & Condition/Grip: The stock is a two piece high grade 3 checkered walnut with a schnabel forend, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered black plastic buttplate. The buttplate has wear marks and small chips. There are scratches and light pressure dents throughout. There are pressure dents front the tang sight on the comb. There are no cracks. The checkering is mostly sharp with some minor wear to the peaks. There are accent pieces set into the side of the receiver. Overall, the stock set is in Excellent condition for an antique.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no notable erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10 as an antique.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its finish. The receiver has almost completely lost its case color. There are dark spots of patina on the receiver. The action has light wear. There is thinning throughout the barrel, mostly concentrated on the back half. There are scratches and light rust spots throughout. The markings are faded on the receiver, the ones on the barrel are sharp. The screw heads range from moderate to heavily tooled. The Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition as an Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Sharps Borchardt 1878 Deluxe Mid-Range Single Shot Rifle in .40-65 caliber is a highly regarded example of late 19th-century American craftsmanship and innovation in firearms. The Borchardt 1878, named after its designer Hugo Borchardt, was among the final models produced by the Sharps Rifle Company. Unlike earlier Sharps models, which featured an exposed hammer, the Borchardt was a hammerless design, making it one of the earliest successful single-shot rifles with this feature. This design included a robust falling block action, known for its durability, which contributed to the rifle’s smooth operation and accuracy. The .40-65 caliber, originally developed for Winchester rifles, was a black powder cartridge that became popular among hunters and target shooters alike. The Sharps Borchardt 1878 Mid-Range was built for precise shooting at intermediate distances, making it well-suited to competitive shooting sports, which were becoming increasingly popular during this era. The rifle’s construction emphasized accuracy, with a long, heavy barrel, adjustable vernier tang sights, and an overall solid design that helped reduce recoil and enhance control. This deluxe variant has a high grade three checkered wood stock in excellent condition. This rifle also has a fantastic bore for its age and being a black powder and would make for an excellent shooter. The front sight is missing its insert, if you would like to obtain a replacement, Montana Vintage Arms carries them. Please see our photos, and good luck on your bid! -R.E.
