Lot 44

Wm H Reed Jr Marked Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 Military Rifle

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Wm H Reed Jr Marked Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 Military Rifle

Estimate: $2,250 - $3,500

Starting Bid: $1,900

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 Military Rifle with Wm. H. Reed Jr. Plaque The Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 rifles were the last model introduced by Sharps and was respected by shooters for its stronger action and reputation for long range accuracy, both highly desirable attributes on the western frontier. Approximately 11,500 of the Military rifles were produced per "Sharps Firearms: Model 1878 Borchardt Patent Rifles and Other Sharps Models" by Marcot, Paxton, and Marron. It features a military style "barleycorn" front sight, original rear sight dovetail filled with a flush block, replacement notch and ladder rear sight, standard Sharps markings on the barrel and frame, musket-style forearm and straight grip buttstock with checkered shotgun buttplate and a "Wm H REED Jr" marked plaque affixed by two small screws on the right side. Reed's identity is not documented although William H. Reed (1860-1952), son of William Cross Reed (1835-1923), is one of the possibilities. He was born in Iowa and taught Laura Ingalls Wilder at the school in Burr Oak. He later homesteaded and taught in Ransom County, Dakota Territory, from 1882 until 1889 when he returned to Iowa.

Manufacturer: Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company

Model: 1878 Borchardt

BBL: 32 1/8 inch round

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 45-70 Government

Finish: blue

Serial Number6146

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Fine overall with 60% original blue finish, touched up rear sight area, 20% original case colors remaining and blending with smooth brown patina, light oxidation, absent rear sight screw, crack in the right side of the wrist, and mild dings and scratches. Mechanically functions. Overall, a very attractive and intriguing rifle with the appearance of a rifle prized and well-cared for by a western marksman.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000