4440 JP LOWER MARKED SHARPS MODEL 1878 BORCHARDT SINGLE

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,500.00 USD
Estimated at 3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
SHOT RIFLE. Cal. 45-2 7/8. Longest factory case loaded by Sharps Company was also commonly known as a 45/90. S# 18298. Bbl. 28" tapered Octagon, stamped on top flat behind rear sight "J.P. LOWER". Mr. Lower ran a gun shop in Denver, CO. & marked many of the guns he sold w/ his name. The bbl is additionally marked w/ boxed "Old Reliable" & "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN.". Bbl. has sporting Lawrence Patent rear sight which mounts in 2 dovetails. Front dovetail filler is not present. Sight spring is screwed directly into bbl. at dovetail. Front sight is a replica of a Model 1874 w/ brass blade. Receiver marked on left side "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN." Serial Number. "PAT. DEC. 1878". Single trigger. Walnut stock set. Straight grip buttstock fitted w/ checkered steel. Shotgun buttplate w/ widow's peak. Forend as Schnabel tip retained by 2 screws. CONDITION: stock set retains 50% of its well worn original finish w/ numerous scratches & handling marks. Buttstock has 3 brass pins in the grip area as reinforcements. There are notable fine cracks on both sides at rear of receiver. Buttstock has long crack on the left side extending forward approx. 5". Lg. missing chip at toe. Forend has numerous fine cracks & long missing sliver along the top on the right side. Stock set has wear & numerous handling marks throughout. Metal has extensive thinning & wear turning overall gray & patina w/ handling marks. Notable oxidation & fine pitting on left side of receiver. Receiver ring has sm. dents on top right side. Plug screw is missing on top receiver tang. Some screws & pins show evidence of amateur gunsmithing. Several screw appear to be modern replacements. Bore is shiny. Tops of lands have notable transverse machine marks while retaining sharp corners. (01-24191/RW). ANTIQUE. $3,000-4,000.