Sharps Borchardt Model 1878 Military Rifle 45-70 Gov’t Single Shot, Antique
SOLD FOR: $1086
LSB#: 210917MW96
Make: Sharps Rifle Co.
Model: 1878 Military Rifle
Serial Number: 19166
Year of Manufacture: 1878-1881
Caliber: .45-70
Action Type: Single-Shot Breech-Loading Rifle
Markings: The left of the receiver is marked “SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN. / U.S.A. / 19166 / PAT OFC 1876”. The top of the barrel is marked “Old Reliable” and “SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN.”
Barrel Length: 32″, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade atop a rectangular base, fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear flip-up sight is a V-notch with a step-up elevator marked 1-4 on the left side when in the down position. In the up position, it is a V-notch on an elevator. The graduating numbers are eroded. The rear screw is missing from the rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a capped and double banded forend with a slot along the bottom for a cleaning rod (not included), checkered steel buttplate, straight grip, and straight comb. There is a sling swivel on the bottom of the receiver and on the bottom of the front barrel band. The wood appears to have been refinished at some point. The stocks have several scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There is a gash on the bottom of the forend midway. There is a crack in the forearm on the left at the rear and one in the bottom. The top of the wrist shows a repaired crack and chip. The forend has scattered finish loss. The wood is proud to the metal around the wrist. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear, erosion, and sharp checkering. Overall, the stocks are in about Fair-Good condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Bright
Finish Originality: The barrel is original, the receiver has been polished bright.
Bore Condition: The bore is dark with well defined rifling. There is light-moderate erosion and pitting scattered through the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. The blue on the barrel shows a transition to patina. The receiver has been polished bright and shows some erosion with scattered nicks, mars, and scratches. The front barrel band shows erosion and pitting. There is erosion throughout the barrel, thinning at the muzzle, and scattered scratches and dings. There is heavy operational wear. The screws range from slightly disfigured and serviceable to completely disfigured. The remaining markings are worn, but legible. Overall, this rifle is in about Fair-Plus condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lever locks up tight. The trigger is crisp. 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. The rifle shows wear consistent with its age and use as a working gun, likely keeping predators away from livestock and putting meat on the table. 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. Please see our photos and good luck!