^Lot 3457 VERY SCARCE, SHARPS BORCHARDT 1878 DOUBLE SET

TRIGGERS, PANEL ACTION MID-RANGE TARGET RIFLE. Cal. 40 1 7/8" (40-50 Sharps). S# 17101 (on bottom of barrel). Of the approx. 215 mid-range rifles produced 1878-1881, very few had dbl. set triggers (the front trigger obscures frame S#). Bbl. 30" rnd. with standard "Old Reliable" marking. Globe front sight with Lawrence patent graduated leaf rear sight and mid-range Vernier tang sight. Falling block action with panels on sides. Schnabel tipped forearm and "S" curved pistol grip walnut stock with striking fiddle figure, checkered hard rubber buttplate having Sharps Rifle Co. monogram and point pattern factory checkering. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: consignor notes. CONDITION: bbl. has over 75% blue with brown patina & marks. Action has faded to gray/brown patina with scratches & marks. Original wood finish shows scattered handling marks & wear in handling areas along with blistering around buttplate & large cracks throughout, but mostly around buttplate. Bore is generally bright with strong rifling & light pitting. Lever is shows significant play when breech block is set. PROVENANCE: From the Collection of Lenard Cave. (01-29238/MD). ANTIQUE. $5,000-8,000.