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It is mounted with an incredibly figured,
multi-point checkered forearm and
pistol grip stock with engraved and inlaid
skeletonized grip cap, shadowline cheek
piece, and checkered steel buttplate. Includes a
fitted hardwood case, knife with etched blade and
burl/buffalo horn grip, two screwdrivers, a cleaning
rod, and a Winchester marked reloading tool.
CONDITION: Excellent as George upgraded and Jim Blair
master engraved, retaining 99% plus of the blue, casehardened,
and grey finishes with only the slightest handling evidence. The
screw heads retain 98% plus of the nitre blue finish. There are a few
light chips and a hairline crack in the buffalo horn panels on the
action. The wood is very good with a few scattered light handling
marks and crisp checkering. The buttstock is slightly loose where
is attaches to the action. Mechanically excellent. The case and
accessories are very fine with minimal handling/storage wear.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
LOT 3504
Outstanding Jim Blair Master Engraved and Gold Inlaid, Custom Sharps
Rifle Co. Model 1878 Borchardt Single Shot Falling Block Rifle with Case
and Accessories - Serial no. 16721, 38-55 WCF cal., 30 inch octagon bbl., blue/
casehardened/grey finish, walnut stock. Originally manufactured by Sharps
Rifle Co. in Bridgeport, Connecticut, subsequently professionally upgraded by
Kustom Gunsmithing by George, and masterfully engraved and gold inlaid by
FEGA Master Engraver, Jim Blair. The barrel is marked “CUSTOM BY GEORGE”
behind a Pegasus logo, “Old Reliable”, and “SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT.
CONN.” all on the top flat. The caliber marking is inlaid in gold on the upper left
flat at the breech, gold bands and geometric designs at the muzzle and breech,
and a 1 inch flourish of detailed floral scroll in grey on top at the breech. The
casehardened action is extensively engraved with exceptional acanthus scroll
and scenes of eagles catching prey on either side, an eagle bust on top, and a
perched eagle on the lever, all of the which are gold inlaid. The action is also
fitted with smooth buffalo horn panels on each side. Gold borders and accents
are inlaid throughout, and the acanthus scroll continued on the tang sight base.
It is fitted with a globe front sight with spirit level and windgauge (no sight insert
and spirit level empty), no provision for a rear sight on the barrel, and a tang
mounted long range peep sight.