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AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN "MAN AT ARMS" FROM FEBRUARY 2006
Only 143 U.S. Springfield Vertical Lee Model 1875 rifles were produced.
LOT 77
Rare Documented U.S. Springfield Lee Vertical Action Model 1875 Trapdoor Rifle with Bayonet - Serial no. 72, 45/70 Govt. cal., 32 5/8 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Known as the U.S. Springfield Lee Model 1875 this Lee Vertical Action Rifle was designed by James P. Lee, one of the great weapons designers of the era. It is one of 143 Model 1875s that were manufactured at the Springfield Armory under a Congressional appropriation of $10,000 for testing. According to firearms expert and author Gene Myszkowski, this rifle is number 72 of 143 manufactured Springfield Lee Model 1875 Rifles (the number “72” is stamped on two places of the breechblock assembly). The Model 1875 had an action based upon a modified Martini or Peabody dropping block action. Pulling the hammer back locks and cocks the action. When the hammer is pushed forward the breechblock drops to eject the fired cartridge and allow for reloading. This rifle has a front sight which acts as the lug for a standard socket bayonet and a rear sight which has a base graduated from 1 to 4 and a leaf graduated to 1,100 yards. The upper tang is stamped “U.S.” above “PAT MAR 16, 1875”. The breech end of the barrel is stamped with the letter “T” and the number “2”. Two “U” marked barrel bands with the front band having stacking sling swivels. Fitted with a one-piece trigger guard with a sling swivel mounted to the front. Mounted on a smooth straight grip stock stamped with a clear script “EJA” inspector cartouche for Master Armourer Erskine S. Allin on the left side ahead of the wrist and a circled script “P” stamped behind the trigger guard. The buttplate is stamped “US” on the tang. The rifle has a leather sling and “US” marked socket bayonet with scabbard. This rifle is identified and pictured in the accompanying Gene Myszkowski’s article Model 1875 Springfield Lee Vertical Action featured in the February 2006 Man at Arms. The article is signed by Myszkowski. This rifle was test fired by Myszkowski for the Man at Arms article. Included with the rifle are copies of French and Dutch patent documents along with patent drawings of the receiver. CONDITION: Very fine. The rifle retains 80% original blue finish with the balance a smooth gray patina. The stock is also very fine with some minor pressure dents, scratches, and a couple minor chips missing near the forearm tip. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
LOT 78
Spectacular U.S. Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle with Bayonet - Serial no.
407127, 45-70 Government cal., 32 5/8 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Left breech
end of barrel marked with “V/P/eagle head” proofmarks, correct “US/MODEL/1873” marked low arch breechblock,
American eagle with shield next to “U.S./SPRINGFIELD” on the lock plate, boxed script “SWP/1888” final inspection cartouche
of Samuel W. Porter stamped on the left stock wrist, circled script “P” proof stamp behind the lower tang, blade front and Buffington ladder rear sight, two-piece trigger guard and trigger bar assembly, serrated trigger, iron cleaning rod, and
smooth buttplate marked “US” on the heel. Includes a “US” marked socket bayonet without scabbard.
CONDITION: Excellent plus overall, nearly as issued, retains 99% original blue and vivid case colors with
very minor finish wear around the muzzle, areas of old storage grease, attractive original
grains in the stock with minimal
handling marks, absolutely distinct
edges and an exceptionally
crisp cartouche and firing proof.
Mechanically excellent. Bayonet is also excellent. This spectacular example of a U.S. Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor rifle would be impossible to improve upon and would proudly fill a necessary slot in any U.S. Military firearms collection! Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
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