Sharps Borchardt

[drb1643]

Attachment 37769
Hi All, I'm hoping someone can help me with this stock stamping. I bought a Sharps Borchardt military rifle in 45-70 that has this stamped into the stock near the butt plate. Does anyone know what this means. I have Frank Seller's Sharps book, but cannot find any reference for this marking. I appreciate any opinions.
Thank you,
Tom

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[Johnny Peppers]

Looks like the accepting inspector's initials, but normally they are near the wrist.

[breakeyp]

Another possibility is that collectors in the 1950's had stamps made of their initials to mark arms as their property. This was considered necessary to prove ownershp of older guns that did not have serial numbers. Some placed business cards under buttplates. I have a lee enfield with a broad arrow F marking from the collection of a Mr. Fiend.

[jmoore]

Looks like the accepting inspector's initials, but normally they are near the wrist.

That's where the marks were on the two I've had. Underside a little behind the tang.

[breakeyp]

I looked at the two I have and they don't have this mark. On is ex-Michigan National Guard and the other one has "PV 76" nicely engraved on the top of the receiver. Does anyone know the derivation of this PV mark. I think it might be a Pennsylvania National Guard unit (Pittsburgh or Philadelphia units?) during the Spanish American War.

[drb1643]

Thank you guys for your input. I checked the rest of the stock and there are no other markings. This LB in a circle is the only one and it is stamped on the left side of the butt stock about an inch from the metal butt plate.
Thanks again,
Tom

[villiers]

Could this be the Hugo Borchardt who designed the C93 pistol that Georg Luger further developed into the standard Luger P 08? Borchardt worked in several US factories for a time. It would certainly increase interest in the item over here.

[jmoore]

Same fellow. One of the best falling block designs ever. But the US BPCR rules won't allow it as there's no hammer, exposed or otherwise. Striker fired. Very strong action. The military type sights are kinda pitiful, though, and I would not drill one for a tang sight- it just seemed wrong. So they finally went away.

[villiers]

I looked at the two I have and they don't have this mark. On is ex-Michigan National Guard and the other one has "PV 76" nicely engraved on the top of the receiver. Does anyone know the derivation of this PV mark. I think it might be a Pennsylvania National Guard unit (Pittsburgh or Philadelphia units?) during the Spanish American War.

As "PV" are my initials, could you just send it to me. It´d make me very h a p p y ...

[Foxbrook]

I have recently picked up an 1878 Sharps - Borchardt military rifle. My rifle has the same stamp LB in a circle on the lower fore stock just of the trigger guard. I have read some where that this was an inspectors mark L. Borchardt, the L was for either Louis or Lugia. I can't find where I read this and cannot confirm if it is correct. The rifle that I have also has what I believe to be an original sling, marked Ridabock & Co., Successors to, J.H. McKenney & Co., New York. I was able to find out that this company did supply to the Military. The bore on this rifle is like it left the factory this morning.











Foxbrook