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LOT 3129
Excellent Providence Tool Co. Peabody Saddle Ring Carbine - NSN, 50 RF cal., 20 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock.
This Peabody carbine was manufactured by the Providence Tool Company in 1866-1871 with standard markings and features. The Providence Tool Co. inspection mark for
foreign contract arms, “W.C.”, is stamped on the left stock wrist.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 90% plus blue on the barrel with some light brown patina and loss towards the muzzle end, and 85% plus bright case colors with thinning on the lever. Wood is very
fine with small chips behind the lock and light handling marks throughout with a crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
LOT 3128
Scarce Springfield/Winchester-Hotchkiss First Model Army
Bolt Action Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 830, 45-70 Government cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened
finish, walnut stock. This First Model Hotchkiss carbine was built using a mix of Winchester and Springfield components and would have been used
in early Army field trials. Only 501 are believed to have been manufactured. Many were converted into Second Models in 1881 or otherwise altered and
re-issued for additional trials. Table #5 Springfield Research Service list on page 344 of “U.S. Military Bolt Action Rifles” by Bruce Canfield lists this example by serial number
as having been shipped from Springfield Armory on June 23rd, 1879. It has “US” and “V/P/eagle head” proof and inspection marks at the breech, the three-line Winchester address
and Hotchkiss patent marking on the left side of the action followed by the serial number, Henry Nettleton “HN.” inspector marks, the distinctive first model magazine cut-off on the right, a correct First Model oval
“ESA/1878” inspection cartouche marked next to the saddle ring, and a script “P” proof behind the trigger guard. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock.
CONDITION: Very good with brown patina overall and 20% original blue finish in protected areas, on the barrel band, trigger guard and buttplate tang. Stock is fine with scattered light scratches and dents, a chip at the toe, and a
mostly clear cartouche (top edge faded). Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,500
LOT 3127
Indian Wars Era U.S. Inspected Spencer Model 1865 Repeating Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no.
9141, 50 Spencer cal., 20 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Spencer Repeating Rifle Co. manufactured the
Model 1865 carbines in 1865-1866, with the first deliveries in April 1865, serial numbered in the approximate range 1-23000, chambered
for use with 56-50 “50 Spencer” rimfire and equipped with the Stabler cut-off. Spencers continued to be used by the U.S. Army in the American
West after the Civil War during various conflicts with Native American tribes until they were replaced by the Springfield Trapdoor rifles and
carbines. Many also found their way into civilian and Native American hands, and saw use into the 20th century. Oval bordered script “ESA” (Erskine S. Allin) inspection cartouche stamped on the left side
of the stock wrist, with small single letter inspection initials on various components.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 30% original blue finish on the barrel, 60% vivid original case colors on the frame and components, with scattered mild brown surface freckling and a mix of smooth gray and brown patinas on the
balance, with sharp markings and edges in the metal. Wood is also fine with defined edges, scattered dents and scratches, a few chips, and a defined cartouche. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 3126
U.S. Springfield Model 1873
Trapdoor Rifle Fitted with Scarce Experimental Metcalfe Device - Serial no. 61073, 45-70 Government cal., 32 5/8 inch round bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. Patented in 1875, the Metcalfe device was invented by Ordnance officer Henry Metcalfe. It consists of a steel
mounting bracket installed on the rifle and interchangeable wooden cartridge blocks. The blocks were to be issued pre-loaded and carried on the belt, replacing the
cartridge boxes of the day. While the system never took off, echoes of it can be seen in the practice of issuing ammunition in pre-loaded “stripper clips” starting in the 20th century.
Only 100 Model 1870 and 1,008 Model 1873 rifles were fitted with the device. The Model 1873 examples were never used and are assumed to have been entirely disposed of via disassembly or sales. The stock has a
very good fit and a crisp “ESA” cartouche on the left flat. The front receiver ring is marked “MASS”, and the top of the breechblock is marked with an additional “E”. The rifle otherwise has the standard Model 1873 markings
and features including the low arch breechblock and circle script “P” cartouche behind the trigger guard. The serial number falls near the accepted range for the experimental rifles.
CONDITION: Good as assembled. The metal surfaces have 25% of the faded original finish along with an established brown patina. There are some scattered minor marks. The stock is very fine with some small pressure marks
and a few scratches and retains a dark oil stained appearance. The two click tumbler action functions fine, and the markings are clear throughout. A solid representative example of a unique U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Rifle with
experimental Metcalfe device.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 3125
Exceptional U.S. Springfield Massachusetts Marked
Model 1877 Transitional Trapdoor Rifle with
Bayonet - Serial no. 105841, 45-70 Government cal., 32 5/8 inch round bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. The Model 1877 was manufactured from 1877 to
1878 and has attributes of both the
Model 1873 and the Model 1879. Only
around 20,000 of these rifles were manufactured, making them much scarcer than the other standard models. Standard blade front sight and “R” marked 1,100
yard curved base folding ladder rear sight. Marked “MASS” on top of the breech. “ESA/1878” cartouche. George Moller’s “GDM” collection mark is at the toe.
Includes “MASS/U.S.” marked socket bayonet, scabbard, leather frog with “MASS” brass plaque, and black leather sling with carved initials “JJ OC”.
CONDITION: Excellent with 95% original blue finish on the barrel and receiver, some light muzzle wear, some light flaking on top of the front band, 85% plus original case colors, and half of the original
finish on the buttplate. Stock is also excellent with minimal handling evidence and an exceptionally crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. The accessories are fine with some patches of light pitting on the
bayonet, mild spotting on the scabbard, and light wear on the frog. An exceptional example of a scarce 1877 Trapdoor!
Provenance: The George Moller Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,500
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