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LOT 3121
Exceptional U.S. Springfield Army
Model 1871 Rolling Block Rifle - NSN,
50-70 U.S. Govt cal., 36 inch round bbl., bright/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. Approximately 10,000 U.S. Army
Rolling Block rifles were manufactured c. 1871-1872 by Springfield Armory
under a royalty agreement with E. Remington & Sons. “MODEL 1871”
marked on the left of the receiver and an eagle and shield over “U.S./
SPRINGFIELD/1872” on the right. The upper tang is marked with the
two-line Remington patent date markings. Equipped with a blade/
bayonet lug front sight and 1,000 yard folding ladder rear sight. Full
length forearm with two barrel bands and an end cap, an oval script
“ESA” (Erskine S. Allin) cartouche stamped on the left of the wrist, and
“US” marked on the buttplate tang.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains its armory bright
polished surfaces on the barrel and bands, 85%
plus vivid original case colors on the frame
with scattered mild surface freckling, 95%
oil quenched blackened finish on the rear
sight, and sharp markings and edges in
the metal overall. Wood is excellent with
distinct edges, a few scattered light dents
and handling marks, and an exceptionally
crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
LOT 3122
Scarce Remington Commercial Model of 1865 Navy
Frame Rolling Block Pistol - NSN, 50 RF cal., 8 1/2 inch round bbl.,
casehardened/blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured from 1866 to 1875,
this pistol is essentially the civilian version of the Navy Model of 1865/1866,
making it very rare. It is estimated by Jerry Landskrom in “Remington Rolling
Block Pistols” that less than 500 of these commercial versions of the Navy pistols
were made. The top of the barrel is marked with the Navy anchor and “REMINGTON’S
ILION.N.Y. PATd OCT.1.1861 NOV.15.1861” but bears no other inspection marks, typical of the
commercial models. The front sight is the standard fixed pinched style, and a notch in the
top of the breech block serves as the rear sight. The barrel is blue, the hammer a nitre blue,
and the remaining metal is casehardened. Fitted with a smooth walnut forearm and one-piece grip that is
numbered “4” inside.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 30% thinned original blue finish. There are traces of original case colors on the
frame (mainly under the grips) and flashes of nitre blue on the hammer and breech block with the balance
a smooth grey patina. The
wood shows some minor
dings, dents, and scratches
consistent with use, and
strong varnish overall.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,000
LOT 3120
Exceptional and Scarce U.S. Springfield Model 1869 Trapdoor Cadet Rifle - Serial no. 1923, 50
cal., 29 5/8 inch round bbl., bright/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This rifle is one of 3,422, scaled-
down, .50 caliber rifles manufactured by Springfield Armory in 1869-1876 with 29 5/8 inch barrels per
Flayderman’s Guide (9th Edition, 9A-360). In addition to the shorter barrels, the Model 1869 Cadet rifles lack the sling swivels
fitted to full sized rifles. The lock plate is dated “1865” behind the hammer and has the eagle and shield motif followed by “U.S./
SPRINGFIELD” forward of the hammer. The breechblock has a dark casehardened finish and is marked: “1870/eagle head/crossed
arrows/U.S.” in four lines. The left side of the barrel and the receiver are numbered “1923”. Rear sights are the M1868 pattern graduated
to 900 yards. The trigger guard has no provision for sling swivels. The left stock flat is stamped with an oval script “ESA” cartouche. The script “L” firing
proof in a rectangle is stamped behind the trigger guard finial.
CONDITION: Excellent. The rear sight, receiver, breechblock, hammer and lock plate retain 95% or more of the original finish. All of the markings on
the lock plate, breechblock, and frame are crisp. The barrel and mounts have been cleaned, and there are some small patches of pitting. The stock
is also excellent with very sharp edges, distinct cartouche, small chip at the upper tang, stain along the top of the wrist, and mostly only minor
handling and storage type marks. Mechanically excellent. A superior example of a limited-production variation of the Springfield Trapdoor Rifle.
Estimate: 2,250 - 4,250
LOT 3119
Fine U.S. Springfield Armory Ward-Burton Model 1871 Bolt Action Rifle - NSN,
50-70 U.S. Govt cal., 32 5/8 inch round bbl., bright/casehardened finish, walnut stock.
The W.G. Ward and Bethel Burton designed rifles were the first true bolt action military rifles in the U.S. and were
manufactured c.1871 in a run of just 1,011 as the U.S. Model 1871 Ward-Burton. Most of the Model 1871s were sent west
for testing, and were tested against the elements and harsh nature of battle during the Indian War Era. Thus, few remain in good or
better condition. It has the standard Springfield style bayonet stud/blade front and folding ladder rear sights, “U.S./SPRINGFIELD 1871” on
the left side of the receiver, “WARD.BURTON. PATENT./DEC.20.1859 FEB.21.1871” on top of the bolt cover, and a smooth straight wrist stock with John
W. Keene’s “JWK” cartouche on the left, a slotted metal ramrod, sling swivels, and a “US” marked buttplate.
CONDITION: Fine. The barrel and other bright polished components are fine. The action retains 70% of the dark, original, oil quenched case colors. The
re-oiled stock is very good as with clear legible cartouche, some minor scattered dings, and light scratches. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
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