SHARPS-BORCHARDT Model 1878 Long Range "Panel Side"

SHARPS RIFLE Co

Firearms for collectors

Category : D

Caliber : 45-90

 

 

This is an exceptional example of a Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 Long Range Rifle with deluxe, European walnut stock and forearm.

This late production cal. 45-90 [.45-2 4/10"] rifle has the blued barrel and the casehardened receiver and lever that were the standard finish on Model 1878 Long Range Rifles after July 1878.

The special order stock and forearm are highly figured, oil-finished, French walnut (juglans Regia).

The forearm has an ebony tip and checkered panel.

The stock has a checkered pistol grip with hard rubber cap and a shotgun style butt with a checkered, hard rubber buttplate embossed with the Sharps' monogram.

The receiver sides have the black, gutta-percha panels that were unique to the later production Model 1878 Long Range Rifles.

The stock heel and receiver tang are fitted with long-range, vernier rear sights.

The barrel has a standard wind gauge, spirit level, front sight dove-tailed at the muzzle.

The rifle has the standard single trigger with fine knurling on the face.

The top of the 34" round barrel is roll-stamped with the markings: "OLD RELIABLE", followed by "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN." in a one line.

Note that the "OLD RELIABLE" marking does not have the bracket used on barrel markings until mid-1879.

There is no caliber marking on the barrel that's chambered for the standard 45-90 [.45-2 4/10"] cartridge.

The left side of the receiver, correctly, lacks the three-line patent marking applied to rifles that were not fitted with rubber or walnut receiver panels.

The lower receiver is marked with the 17200 serial number above the Borchardt patent marking between the breech-block and the trigger.

Sharps manufactured only 230 Model 1878 Long Range Rifles between October 1877 and May 1880.

The Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 single shot rifle is considered by Sharps authorities to be the ultimate development of the 19th Century, U.S. single shot rifle action.

Although the Model 1878 Long Range Rifle was made in very limited numbers it was used in competition by long-range target shooters for over 20 years.

The barrel retains approximately 97% of the original blue finish; wear is limited to some minor handling marks and some very minor spots of surface rust on the top of the barrel. The barrel markings are crisp and the bore is absolutely perfect.

The receiver, breechblock and lever retain more than 95% of the original case colors.

There is some slivering on the top of the breechblock and on the bottom of the lever.

The hard rubber receiver panels have lightly faded and are excellent.

The fancy, highly figured, stock and forearm, that have nearly all of the original semi-gloss oil finish, are in excellent condition even if the forearm checkering is slightly flattened from handling while the checkering on the stock pistol grip is crisp. The gutta-percha buttplate and grip cap are perfect.

The sight line, with its two vernier diopters and side adjustable front sight tunnel, is flawless.

With its 34" barrel and 14" LOP, this example weighs 9lb-14oz.

It is presented in a custom-made canvas and leather carrying case.

 

This is an exceptional example of a rare and very desirable Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 Long Range Rifle with fancy stock and forearm and vernier heel and tang rear sights.

This same Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 Long Range "Panel Side" was auctioned on December 6, 2009, by Rock Island Auction Company, where it sold for 20.700 USD, excluding fees.

It is a remarkable rifle, a historical artifact, that can be seen in action on:

https://youtu.be/YRaRCCZjdTM?si=_570CF1UtTLBoT2O