Description
The Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 is a single shot hammerless falling block action rifle designed by Hugo Borchardt and manufactured by the Sharps Rifle Company. It closely resembles older Sharps Rifle but has firing mechanism that uses a hammerless striker rather than a hammer and firing pin like the old version. It was the last of the Sharps single-shot rifles and one of approximately 10,000 produced in military form from 1878 until 1881 when Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company shut down.
This is a super fine example of a totally original Sharps Borchardt Old Reliable Model 1878 Breechloading Military Rifle with the original and very rare cleaning rod. The serial number is 8086 and it is chambered in government .45-70 caliber. It has a 32 1/8 inch round barrel, standard blued finishes and crisp markings.
The top of the barrel is marked “Old Reliable” in script and “SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN.” behind the rear sight. The left side of the receiver is marked “SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT CONN.” with the serial number 8086 stamped below. It is equipped with a square base blade front sight, military ladder rear sight and sliding trigger safety. This is the Military style stock rifle with two barrel bands and checkered steel butt plate, making it a very fine example of an extremely difficult to find antique collector and museum grade gun American firearm. Due to the extreme accuracy and ease of operation, many of these were used by state national guard units for target training. One of the nicer examples known to exist.
NOTE: This fine weapon was slightly damaged in transit (minor cracking on frame end of buttstock) so has been reduced for a holiday sale!
