Sharps manufactured approx. 6,900 45-70 caliber Model 1878 military rifles between 1878 and 1881 with many being sold overseas. The 32 1/8"" barrel has an excellent bright bore. The barrel is marked behind the rear sight in script Old Reliable with SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT CONN. following. The barrel has the standard blade front sight and military tangent rear sight. The gun has approx. 92% fading blue with the case colors visible on the sides of the lever. The left side of the receiver is marked SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT CONN. over U.S.A. with the serial number and patent date below. The left center of the receiver has an approx. 3/16"" ""Q"" stamped in it. This is most likely a property designation. The buttstock and forend are very good with no cracks or chips ond only a few usage dings and dents. The stock wrist has a filled hole for a tang sight. The checkered steel buttplate is very good. The swivels and two barrel bands are present. The cleaning rod is from a trapdoor Springfield rifle. The action functions correctly. This very nice overall Sharps Model 1878 Borchardt military rifle is ready for your collection.