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LOT 1203 Exceptional and Rare U.S. Springfield Model 1877 Trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no.
75239, 45-70 Government cal., 22 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Reportedly, 4,500 of these transitional “Model 1877” carbines were manufactured between 1877-1878, with approximately 2,500 manufactured in the first half of 1877 ending around serial number 76725, and
another 2,000 manufactured in the first half of 1878 ending around serial number 89729, with some changes noted between these two production batches; most notably the rear sights, differences in the finish of the breech blocks and markings on the breech blocks and locks (reference lot 275 auction 89). Manufactured within the correct serial number range, with a high-arch breechblock, standard blade front sight, notch and folding ladder rear sight graduated to 1,200 yards with stepped base, standard three-groove rifling, “MODEL/1873/(eagle head with crossed arrows)/U.S.” breech block marking, eagle and shield motif and “U.S./SPRINGFIELD/1873” on the lock with a three-click tumbler, single stacking sling swivel on the barrel band, smooth trigger, saddle bar and ring on the left, crisp circled script “ESA/1877” inspection cartouche of Springfield Master Armorer Erskine S. Allin stamped on the left wrist of the stock. The stock has a thick wrist, a 10 1/2 inch comb and a trapdoor compartment in the butt. CONDITION: Excellent, retains 90% plus original combination oil-quenched casehardened and blue finishes with sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. The stock is also excellent with an overcoat of protective rich dark oil finish, some scattered light handling marks, defined edges and an exceptionally crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. This exceptional example of a rare U.S. Springfield Model 1877 Trapdoor carbine would be a prized addition to any U.S. military firearms collection! Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
LOT 1204
U.S. Springfield Model 1870 Type I Alteration Sharps New Model 1859 Breech Loading Infantry Rifle with Bayonet - Serial no. 54526, 50-70 cal., 35 inch round bbl., bright/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This rifle is one of just an estimated 700 1st Type Model 1870s manufactured c. 1870 from converted percussion straight breech rifles, a Model 1859 in this case. There were also another 300 2nd Types made with Model 1874 style actions and
another 308 made as carbines. They were made for field trials after the 1870 Board to Select a Breech Loading Rifle. It has an armory bright finished barrel with a military
pattern front sight that doubles as the lug for the included socket bayonet, a blued notch and folding ladder rear sight, the serial number on the left at the breech and on the upper tang,
armory bright barrel bands and nose cap, military style cleaning rod, casehardened action and breechblock, the Sharps and Lawrence patent markings on the lock, “F” marked on the left side of the frame, “M” marked hammer, “C” on the breechblock pin, an armory bright buttplate marked “US” by the heel screw and sling swivels on the upper barrel band and bottom of the
buttstock fitted with a russet leather sling. The bayonet is marked “US” near the bottom of the blade and has a blued iron scabbard and black leather frog with a “US” marked brass hanger. CONDITION: Very fine with some light brown patina forming on the otherwise armory bright barrel and furniture, 70% plus of the arsenal refurbished case colors visible on the action, and light age
and storage related wear. The re-oiled wood is fine and has traces of the original cartouche visible on the left, and minor scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is good with mild pitting. The sling, scabbard, frog, and hanger are very good with mild age and storage related wear. Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 1205
Excellent Providence Tool Co. Peabody Breech Loading Saddle Ring Carbine - NSN, 50 RF cal., 20 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The Peabody carbine was manufactured by the Providence Tool Co. of Providence, Rhode Island c. 1866-1871. The Peabody carbine was developed and
tested in 1864, but the end of the Civil War terminated Ordnance Department interest in it. Large numbers of Peabody rifles and carbines were sold to Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Romania, Spain, and France for use in the Franco-Prussian War.
Post-war sales of Peabody rifles and carbines in the United States were limited to three state contracts. South Carolina purchased
350 .50 caliber Peabody carbines originally manufactured for a French contract. The carbine has a military blue barrel with block front sight and two-leaf folding rear sight. The barrel band, receiver, breech block, hammer, side plate, lever and buttplate are color casehardened. A staple-mounted carbine sling ring is mounted at the junction of the left side
of the stock and the receiver. The stock and forearm are oil-finished black walnut. The left of the receiver is roll-stamped “PEABODY’S PAT./JULY 22. 1862/MAN’F’D BY/PROVIDENCE TOOL CO./PROV. R.I.” in five lines. Small single block letter sub-inspection marks on most components. An oval “WC” Providence Tool Co. inspection mark, which was stamped on all
Peabody carbines manufactured for foreign contracts, is stamped on the left of the stock wrist.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 97% vivid original casehardened and blue finishes with sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Wood is very fine with attractive original raised grain and rich oil finish, large mild cracks visible on both sides of the buttstock (stock still retains rigidity), a minor small chip behind the lock, a few light handling marks, distinct edges and an exceptionally crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. This outstanding Providence Tool Co. Peabody carbine would be difficult to improve upon, and would make a fine addition to any U.S. martial collection! Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500