Make: Sharps Rifle Co.
Model: 1878 Military Rifle
Serial Number: 6283
Year of Manufacture: 1878-1881
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Single-Shot Breech-Loading Rifle
Barrel Length: 32"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade on a rectangular base fixed to the front of the barrel, also serving as a bayonet lug. The rear sight is a flip-up ladder-stye sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. In the down position, it presents a fixed "V"-notch. The ladder has a "V"-notch slider graduated to 1,000 yards with another notch at the top of the ladder.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a capped two-band forend, sling swivel in the front band, checkered steel shotgun-style buttplate, straight grip, and straight comb. There is another sling swivel in the bottom of the receiver at the front. There is a slot on the bottom of the forearm for the included clearing rod. The heel is stamped "22". The stocks scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable dings. There is a crack at the left-front of the wrist and a patch-repair on the top-right. The toe has a repaired loss at the toe. The stocks show signs of sanding, generally a little shy to the metal. The LOP measures 13 3/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly worn to white with a little finish in the well-defined checkering and some light oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition as refinished and repaired Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered erosion and light pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 45% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is scattered light finish wear on the barrel and lever with more notable wear at the muzzle consistent with bayonet use. The receiver is mostly worn to white with very little finish remaining in well-protected areas. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation and worn areas gone to a light patina. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches with tool marks at some screw heads. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a US M1873 socket bayonet with sheath and Pattern 1885 Rock Island Arsenal frog.
Assessment: Christian Sharps introduced one of America’s first and most successful breech-loading rifles with design starting in 1850 and improvements continuing into the 1870s and the metallic cartridge era. This rifle is a Model 1878 Military Rifle, just about the most advanced single-shot breech-loading design of the 19th century. The action utilizes the patent of Hugo Borchardt and is a hammerless falling-block design with an automatic trigger safety engaged when the action is opened fully. The rifle shows wear consistent with its age and use as a working gun. It has a "22" stamp on the stock, which may indicate issue to a militia or even police force, but otherwise likely keeping predators away from livestock and putting meat on the table. This will be a nice example of a Sharps-Borchardt for the collectors. The 1878 models were only made for four years and this would make for a great display in a Sharps collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
