Antique Sharps Borchardt 1878 Military Rifle "Old Reliable" Falling Block .45-70 Caliber
Manufactured by the Sharps Rifle Co. in Bridgeport, Connecticut, circa 1878-1881, this Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 Military Rifle is chambered in .45-70 Government. The Model 1878 was the final Sharps single-shot rifle design and featured Hugo Borchardt's hammerless falling-block action. The military model was produced with a 32" round barrel in .45-70 and was supplied to several state militia organizations. Features a 32-1/8" round blued barrel with two barrel bands, sliding adjustable rear notch sight, and blade front sight. Top of the barrel is marked "OLD RELIABLE" followed by "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN." Hammerless falling-block action with lever-operated breechblock and sliding trigger lock. Fitted with a satin-finished hardwood stock and matching full-length forend, with an "LB" circled cartouche on the stock and circled "P" marking on the underside of the forend forward of the action. Features steel checkered butt plate, blued forend cap, cleaning rod, and swivel rings. LOP: 13-1/2". CALIBER/GA: 45-70. S/N: 20131. FFL: Antique.
Condition
Retains 90% blued finish with light wear on the high edges and oxidation spots on the top barrel ring and barrel. Some case colors still visible in the low-lying areas. Stock and forearm show a few very minor dings and scuffs. Good bore with visible rifling and good mechanics. Overall in excellent condition for its age.
Manufactured by the Sharps Rifle Co. in Bridgeport, Connecticut, circa 1878-1881, this Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 Military Rifle is chambered in .45-70 Government. The Model 1878 was the final Sharps single-shot rifle design and featured Hugo Borchardt's hammerless falling-block action. The military model was produced with a 32" round barrel in .45-70 and was supplied to several state militia organizations. Features a 32-1/8" round blued barrel with two barrel bands, sliding adjustable rear notch sight, and blade front sight. Top of the barrel is marked "OLD RELIABLE" followed by "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN." Hammerless falling-block action with lever-operated breechblock and sliding trigger lock. Fitted with a satin-finished hardwood stock and matching full-length forend, with an "LB" circled cartouche on the stock and circled "P" marking on the underside of the forend forward of the action. Features steel checkered butt plate, blued forend cap, cleaning rod, and swivel rings. LOP: 13-1/2". CALIBER/GA: 45-70. S/N: 20131. FFL: Antique.
Condition
Retains 90% blued finish with light wear on the high edges and oxidation spots on the top barrel ring and barrel. Some case colors still visible in the low-lying areas. Stock and forearm show a few very minor dings and scuffs. Good bore with visible rifling and good mechanics. Overall in excellent condition for its age.
