September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/11/2024
Sharps manufactured just 384 Model 1878 carbines between 1878 and 1880, many of which were sent West. This example appears to have been professionally cut back from 24" to 22" with script "Old Reliable" trademark and Bridgeport address. Blade front sight and tang mounted peer sight, the original carbine rear sight removed. Rust blued receiver with saddle ring and stud removed. Maker information present on the left side. Falling block and lever are case hardened. Business rifle style Schnabel forend and plain walnut stock with checkered steel shotgun butt plate. Forend could not be removed to check for matching numbers. CONDITION: Near excellent. Barrel retains nearly all of its factory rust blue with some scattered marks. Receiver has some saddle ring wear and cleaned oxidation spots on the left. Significant portions of strong case colors are retained on the lever and falling block, areas fading to a mottled brown patina. Significant amounts of nitre blue are also retained on screw heads. Wood is nice as cleaned with scattered marks, a small split on the right side of the forend, and an area of deeper abrasion on the right side of the butt. Very fine and bright bore with crisp rifling. Fine mechanics. A very interesting and rare Sharps carbine.