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LOT 3066
Excellent U.S. Springfield Model 1879 Trapdoor
Saddle Ring Carbine with Accessories - Serial no. 146243, 45-70 Government cal.,
22 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This is truly an exceptional
example of a U.S. Springfield Model 1879 trapdoor carbine with standard markings and features
and an “SWP/1880” cartouche. The serial number dates to early 1881 per the National Park
Service records. A carbine sling, Model 1887 carbine boot, and a carbine socket are all included.
The Model 1879 is an unofficial title for an improved version of the historic Model 1873 trapdoor
which was the first standard issue U.S. military arm that used metallic cartridges and was carried by Custer and his men
at the Battle of Little Bighorn. Though other metallic cartridge weapons had been used earlier, they were not standardized
and used across the Army. The trapdoor series went through several periods of
alterations and improvements and were widely used up through
the Spanish-American War. They are best known for their use in the
late 19th century Indian Wars, but they also served alongside Krag
rifles in auxiliary roles in the Philippine-American War. Some are
even reported to have been used by National Guard units during
WWI and beyond. Therefore, examples in high condition are very
hard to find. The trapdoor’s use in the Indian Wars has led some to say it is truly “The Gun that Won the West” since
the Springfield Model 1873 and following models were used in far more decisive battles than the Winchester Model
1873 or other contenders for the title.
CONDITION: Excellent with 95% plus original bright blue finish and vivid case colors, scattered minor marks and dings, and rub wear on the toe and heel. The
stock is also excellent and has smooth oil finish, a crisp cartouche, and a few minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. The accessories are very good
with mild wear. Opportunities to acquire Springfield trapdoors in this outstanding condition are very scarce, so don’t miss out on your opportunity
to own one of the best!
Estimate: 9,000 - 12,000
LOT 3065
U.S. Springfield Officer’s Model 1875 Trapdoor Rifle - NSN, 45-70 Government
cal., 26 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Only a reported 477 total
Officer’s Model rifles of three types were manufactured by the Springfield Armory between 1875 and 1885 to fulfill
the request by U.S. Army officers for suitable sporting rifles for use in hunting and target shooting. These are easily among
the most desirable of all the rifles manufactured by the Springfield Armory thanks to their rarity, quality, and connection to military
officers. This example appears to have features that mostly align with the “Type I” variant, although with a different earlier type hammer, and was
possibly special ordered this way. In function, the rifle is a standard Model 1873 trapdoor rifle with a high-arch breechblock. However, it is embellished with
traditional acanthus scroll engraving on the forend cap, receiver, breechblock, lock, trigger guard, and buttplate. The lock has the standard U.S. Springfield
markings including a federal eagle with shield behind “U.S./SPRINGFIELD”, the breech block is marked “U.S./MODEL/1873”, the left breech of the barrel has “V/P/eagle head”
proofs, a circled script “P” proof stamp on the bottom of the stock behind the checkering, and “US” on the buttplate tang. It features a 26 inch barrel fitted with a folding combination blade and globe
Beach front sight, Model 1873 pattern rear sight graduated from 50 up to 4 on the stepped base and 6 to 12 on the ladder, and the rare round base variant Springfield rear peep sight mounted on
top of the wrist, a single set trigger, walnut sporting stock with checkered forend and wrist, and a traditional style wood cleaning rod with a brass tip.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 50% original blue finish on the barrel with smooth brown and gray patina on the balance, some scattered patches of light pitting/oxidation,
casehardened surfaces turned to mostly a smooth gray patina with strong traces of case colors visible in protected areas, and sharp well-executed scroll engraving overall.
The stock is very fine with rich original oil finish, some light dents, scratches, nicks, a scuff on top of the comb from the rear peep sight, distinct edges and defined checkering.
Mechanically excellent. This desirable U.S. Springfield Officer’s Model 1875 rifle would make a fine
addition to any U.S. military or antique American arms collection.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
Approximately
477 U.S. Springfield
1875 Officer's Model
rifles were produced.
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