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Sharps Rifle Co. Model 1878 Sharps-Borchardt Single Shot Sporting Rifle with Unique Double Set Trigg

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Rifles Start Price:750.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,500.00 USD
Sharps Rifle Co. Model 1878 Sharps-Borchardt Single Shot Sporting Rifle with Unique Double Set Trigg
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Sharps Rifle Co. Model 1878 Sharps-Borchardt Single Shot Sporting Rifle with Unique Double Set Trigger

Less than 9,000 of the Model 1878 were manufactured between 1878 and 1881. 1,610 were manufactured as a sporting rifle with 860 having an octagon barrel, it is unknown how many had checkered walnut pistol grip stocks or double set triggers. The double set trigger was not available at the start of production in 1878 but with many requests for a double set trigger they started working on it in early 1879. Hugo Borchardt's double set trigger for the Model 1878 is considered to be his only unsuccessful invention with many complaints. This example has a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable bone inlaid rear sight. The top of the barrel is stamped with the "Old Reliable" cartouche and with "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN.". The left rear of the barrel is stamped with the caliber "CAL. 45 2 1/10" and the matching serial number is stamped under the forearm. The left side of the receiver has the standard markings. The serial number is found on the bottom of the receiver. Mounted on a multi-point checkered walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with hard rubber buttplate. There is another rifle serial number 17,461 (located in the Smithsonian Institution Collection) pictured on page 271 of the book "Sharps Firearms" by Frank Sellers that is configured almost the same with the rear sight being the only noticeable difference.

Manufacture: Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company
Model: 1878-Rifle
BBL: 30 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45-70
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 17469

Fair with a mixed brown and gray patina overall. There are scattered scratches and dings along with some areas of minor oxidation and light pitting. The wood is poor with the checkering worn, slivers of wood absent from the top edge of the forearm and scattered minor scratches and dings. The set trigger does not function correctly (trigger return spring is weak) otherwise mechanically very good.