MR1703 RARE SHARPS BORCHARDT MODEL 1878 SHORT RANGE SPORTING RIFLE CHAMBERED IN 40-50 SHARPS; 26 inch round barrel retains about 95% original blue with the “Old Reliable” moniker on top followed by the proper Bridgeport address and is marked “CAL 40 1-7/8” on the left side. The excellent bore is bright and shiny with strong rifling. Sights include a Rocky Mountain front with a German Silver blade and a flip up ladder rear with an integral Short Range Graduated peep sight mounted in the tang. The action is tight and smooth showing about 70% darkening case colors with a mellow brown patina. Straight grained American black walnut stocks rate very good plus having strong checkering with a light coat of finish added and just one very fine crack on the left side at the frame, otherwise showing just normal light wear and handling marks. The buttstock features the early style factory pistolgrip with curled lip at front edge. The original checkered hard rubber shotgun buttplate with Sharps Rifle Company monogram rates excellent. All numbers matching on the barrel, frame, forearm and buttstock. With only an estimated 150 of these Short Range Sporting Rifles made, they are not often seen and this is a fine collectible example.
ANTIQUE $ 6,675.
