^Lot 3507 SHARPS BORCHARDT MODEL 1878 SINGLE SHOT SPORTING

RIFLE. Cal. 45 2 1/10" (45-70). S# 9974. Bbl. 30" octagon measuring 1" across the flats at the muzzle. Blade front sight, graduated leaf rear sight, with mid-range Vernier tang sight that appears to be added. Blue finish with case colored action. Schnabel tip forearm and straight grip walnut stock with checkered steel buttplate. Weight: 10lbs, 13.8oz. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Sharps letter from R.L. Moore stating: "SERIAL NUMBER 9974 IS LISTED AS A MODEL 1878 BORCHARDT SPORTING RIFLE. IN 45 CALIBER AND A 30 INCH BARREL. THE WEIGHT ON YOUR GUN WAS 10 LBS 12 oz. AND LISTED AT THIRTY EIGHT DOLLARS. THIS SHARPS WAS INVOICED MARCH 7, 1879 AND WAS SENT TO E.S. HARRIS OF NEW YORK CITY. MODEL 1878 SPORTING RIFLES ARE RARE.". CONDITION: the bbl. retains over 70% fading blue showing edge wear with scattered pitting. The action has largely faded to gray retaining traces of case colors with areas of darker spotting. Lightly refinished wood shows a few remaining marks. Sound action. The bore is bright with strong rifling. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Norm Greenberg Collection. (01-27772/DS). ANTIQUE. $4,000-6,000.