Jim Blair Master Engraved and Gold Inlaid, Custom Sharps Rifle Co. Model 1878 38-55 Borchardt Single Shot Falling Block Rifle with Case

Description:
A spectacular custom Sharps Rifle Co. Bridgeport rifle, this piece combines original 19th-century Sharps heritage with professional custom upgrading, master engraving, gold inlay, exhibition-grade wood, and a fitted accessory case. Upgraded by Kustom Gunsmithing by George and engraved by FEGA Master Engraver Jim Blair, it is a highly distinctive collector’s rifle with exceptional presentation value.

• Originally manufactured by Sharps Rifle Co. in Bridgeport, Connecticut
• Subsequently professionally upgraded by Kustom Gunsmithing by George
• Masterfully engraved and gold inlaid by FEGA Master Engraver Jim Blair
• Barrel markings on the top flat include:
  • “CUSTOM BY GEORGE” behind a Pegasus logo
  • “Old Reliable”
  • “SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN.”
• Caliber marking:
  • Inlaid in gold on the upper left flat at the breech
• Barrel embellishment:
  • Gold bands at the muzzle and breech
  • Gold geometric designs at the muzzle and breech
  • 1-inch flourish of detailed floral scroll engraving in grey on top at the breech
• Casehardened action with extensive fine engraving:
  • Exceptional acanthus scroll coverage
  • Gold-inlaid eagle-catching-prey scenes on both sides of the action
  • Gold-inlaid eagle bust on top of the action
  • Gold-inlaid perched eagle on the lever
  • Gold borders and accents inlaid throughout
  • Acanthus scroll engraving continues onto the tang sight base
• Distinctive action details:
  • Smooth buffalo horn panels fitted on each side of the action
• Sighting equipment:
  • Globe front sight with spirit level and windgauge
  • No sight insert included
  • Spirit level is empty
  • No provision for a rear sight on the barrel
  • Tang-mounted long-range peep sight
• Stock and furniture:
  • Incredibly figured forearm
  • Multi-point checkering
  • Pistol grip stock
  • Engraved and inlaid skeletonized grip cap
  • Shadowline cheekpiece
  • Checkered steel buttplate
• Included fitted hardwood case and accessories:
  • Fitted hardwood case
  • Knife with etched blade
  • Knife has a burl and buffalo horn grip
  • Two screwdrivers
  • Cleaning rod
  • Winchester-marked reloading tool
• Collector appeal:
  • Combines original Sharps Rifle Co. Bridgeport manufacture with high-end modern custom artistry
  • FEGA Master Engraver Jim Blair attribution adds important desirability and provenance
  • Gold-inlaid eagle motifs, buffalo horn action panels, and exhibition-grade wood give it exceptional display presence
  • “Old Reliable” barrel marking and Sharps Bridgeport address connect it to one of America’s most iconic rifle makers
  • Fitted case and accessories enhance presentation, completeness, and long-term collector interest

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.

Rifle Caliber: .38-55 Winchester
Manufacturer: Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company
Model: 1878 Borchardt
Serial Number: 16721
Barrel Length: 30 inch octagon
Condition: The bore is shiny with crisp rifling.

Price: $24,999.99