Lot 1041

Sharps-Borchardt Officer's Model 1878 Single Shot Rifle

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Sharps-Borchardt Officer's Model 1878 Single Shot Rifle

Estimate: $8,500 - $13,000

Starting Bid: $7,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Outstanding and Rare Documented Sharps-Borchardt Officer's Model 1878 Single Shot Rifle Manufactured from March 1878 to February 1879, this is a rare example of the Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 Officer's rifle that remains in truly incredible condition. According to Marcot, Paxton, and Marron in "Sharps Firearms: Model 1878 'Borchardt Patent' Rifles & Other Models", only 44 of these rare rifles are listed in the factory ledgers, with almost half of them being listed in the factory ledgers on the "expense accounts" and sent out as prizes for rifle matches or to influential military men. This particular rifle is listed by serial number in that book as having shipped to R.B. Yates, Secretary (organization not listed) in Rochester, New York, on 21 September 1878 and was invoiced as a Model 1878 Officer's Rifle for $15 as order no. 5907. Period New York newspapers list a Colonel R.B. Yates on multiple occasions, primarily involved in competition shooting and appearing to have been involved with the New York National Guard. These rifles generally followed the Model 1878 Military rifle pattern but were fitted with deluxe wood panels on the receiver, similar to some of the higher end sporting variations of the Borchardt. Frank Sellers noted that these rifles are rarely seen with special ordered features as they were sent out complimentary by the factory to the lucky recipients. This example remains in truly extraordinary condition and certainly has the look of having been treated like a treasured prize. The top of the barrel has the standard "Old Reliable" marking as well as the Sharps Bridgeport address. The bottom of the action has the one-line patent date and the serial number. It is fitted with a block blade front sight, folding ladder rear sight (sliding adjustable notch absent), sling swivels on the upper barrel band and front bottom of the receiver, and a checkered steel buttplate.

Manufacturer: Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company

Model: 1878 Borchardt

BBL: 32 inch round

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 45-70 WCF

Finish: blue/casehardened

Serial Number6610

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The John Dutcher Collection
  • Condition: Excellent, retains 95% plus of the original blue finish, 85% of the original case colors, and 90% of the original nitre blue on small parts with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina, primarily on high spots. The wood is also excellent with some scattered light handling marks and almost all the original varnish. Mechanically excellent. These Sharps Borchardt Officers Model rifles are seldom offered for sale; don't miss this opportunity!

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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