Description
MR1726 RARE SHARPS BORSCHARDT MODEL 1878 SHORT RANGE RIFLE; 26 inch round barrel is marked “Old Reliable” followed by “SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN.” ahead of the rear sight and “CAL. 40 1-7/8” on the left side ahead of the action. Original wind gauge globe front sight, Lawrence patent rear barrel sight and a short range graduated peep sight integrally set in the tang. The left side of the color case hardened action is marked with the standard three-line Sharps address and Borchardt patent. Built with a set trigger, now seems to have something missing but still functions as a plain trigger. Checkered Schnabel tip forearm with matching pistol grip butt stock fitted with a checkered hard rubber buttplate with the Sharps Rifle Co. “SRCo” monogram at the center. Near excellent condition overall with the barrel showing 60% original blue starting to tone slightly brown. Bore is bright and shiny with strong rifling. Faint traces of the original case colors remain on the action with the balance a mottled brown grey patina. The wood is fine showing light wear with scattered handling marks. Comes with Factory letter showing it was manufactured in 1879. Frank Sellers book “Sharps Firearms” page 275 shows only 153 Model 1878 Short Range Rifles are estimated to have been manufactured.
ANTIQUE $ 5,775.
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