Sharps Model 1878 Borchardt Military Rifle, caliber .45-70. This was the final model of the famed Sharps rifle company. Clearly, it was the most modern and strong design featuring a hammerless (or internal hammer) action. These were designed by famed gunsmith and inventor Hugo Borchardt who is later credited with designing one of the first semi-auto pistols that was the basic design for the famous Luger. The Model 1878 Borchardt was only made for three years before the Sharps company went out of business in 1881 Only approximately 6,900 of these military rifles were made with a good portion being sold to foreign countries. In the United States a few states armed their state militias with Borchardt rifles with the balance being sold on the commercial market. Most of these were sold to western dealers, like J. P. Lower of Denver, Colorado, for buffalo and other big game hunting. In the 1930s-1960s many of the existing Borchardt Sharps were scrapped for their actions which were made into “modern” single shot rifles, especially small caliber varmint guns. For this reason, original, unaltered rifles are difficult to find and acquire. This fine example with serial number 7424 retains its crisp action. When the lever is dropped for exposing the chamber for loading and then lifted to close it, the small “trigger” safety behind the firing trigger automatically moves forward to the “safe” position. For firing, the safety is simply pulled rearward. Often these are found to be non-functioning. This example functions correctly. The correct 32 1/8” barrel retains nearly all the deep factory lightly aged blue. It has all the correct Sharps Company markings along with the iconic OLD RELIABLE stamping. The rear barrel sight is the correct ladder variety with the slide intact. The receiver blue and markings show normal wear and has aged to an attractive patina. Fine walnut forend secured to the barrel by two barrel bands. Similarly fine butt stock with correct checkered steel butt plate and very minor shallow crack/repair to the area just behind the action on the top right. Amazingly, this rifle has a bright, sharp excellent “minty” bore. Only the cleaning rod is a replacement. Comes with a period leather sling. An outstanding example in desirable .45-70 caliber from the famed Sharps Rifle Company. The rifle weighs 8lbs 14oz. Serial Number: 7424. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.