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LOT 3139
Rare Experimental U.S. Springfield Model 1888 “Positive Cam” Trapdoor Rifle with
Bayonet and Accessories - Serial no. 415600, 45-70 cal., 32 5/8 inch round bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. This is
a fine example of a very rare, one of only
100, Springfield Model 1888 “Positive Cam” trapdoor rifles that was
manufactured in 1888. The “Positive Cam” rifle was an attempt by
Springfield Armory to modify the Springfield trapdoor breechblock
to eliminate the occasional failure of the locking cam mechanism. The
“Positive Cam” rifles featured a modified breechblock marked “U.S./
MODEL/1888”. The breechblock has the screw that retains the firing
pin located on the right side behind the thumb piece rather than on
the underside. The “Positive Cam” itself is part of the breech locking device. All known examples of these rifles
fall in the 400,000 to 416,000 serial number range and the stocks of all the rifles have the “SWP/1888” inspection
cartouche. This rifle is in the correct serial number range and has the correct configuration breechblock, correct
breechblock markings, receiver relief cut on the right side for cam shaft clearance and “SWP/1888” cartouche. The rifle has the standard blade front
and Buffington rear sights, and a slotted button head cleaning rod. The lock and barrel have standard Springfield Armory markings and proofs,
along with an “A” on top of the barrel at the breech. There is a discreet “GDM”, George D. Moller Collection mark in the toe of the stock. These
rifles are one of the rarest variations of the Springfield trapdoor rifles and were issued to the San Antonio Arsenal for testing. Most of them were
subsequently issued to active units in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona where they saw active service. Includes a U.S. M1873 socket bayonet, scabbard with “US” Watervliet Arsenal leather frog, and
Rock Island Arsenal dark brown leather sling.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 70% plus of the faded original blue finish overall and 50% of the original case colors with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina, primarily at the muzzle
and around the breech. The wood is also fine with some minor dings and scratches scattered throughout. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet, scabbard, and frog are all very fine with minimal wear.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,000
Collector’s Fact
Approximately 100 U.S.
Springfield Model 1888
"Positive Cam" trapdoor rifles
were produced.
120
LOT 3138
Fine U.S. Rinaldo A. Carr Sub-Inspected Colt Cavalry Model Single
Action Revolver - Serial no. 131669, 45 Long Colt cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl.,
blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. This U.S. contract Colt Single Action
Cavalry Model revolver was manufactured in 1890 and inspected by Ordnance
Sub-Inspector Rinaldo A. Carr (R.A.C.) and Captain Stanhope E. Blunt (SEB). This
revolver is among the last examples of the 37,063 Single Action Army
revolvers purchased by the Ordnance Department between 1873
and 1891 and has managed to survive in its original Cavalry
Model configuration. The revolver has the military blue finish
on the barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and
back strap. The frame, loading gate and hammer have a
color casehardened finish, and the one-piece walnut
grip is oil finished. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped
with address “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT.
U.S.A.” in “elongated block” letters. The left side of the
frame is roll-stamped with the Colt three-date/two-
line patent markings followed by the “U.S” property
mark. The Carr’s sub-inspector’s initials “R.A.C.” are stamped on the underside of the barrel, the bottom of the frame above the serial number,
on the side of the cylinder and on the left heel of the grip. A “K” Colt sub-inspection mark is stamped on the trigger guard and back strap. “P”
proof marks are stamped on the underside of the barrel in front of the “R.A.C.” sub-inspection mark and on the side of the cylinder. Matching full or
partial serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, and barrel. The lower left side of the grip is stamped with the date “1890”
above the script initials “SEB” enclosed in a rectangle with rounded edges. The script sub-inspection mark consisting of the script initials “RAC” in a
rectangle is stamped on the lower right side of the grip.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 50% plus original blue finish and 30% original case colors with a smooth gray patina on the balance. Front sight has
been altered/modified most likely during period of usage. The grip is also fine with some very scattered handling marks and legible date and cartouches. Mechanically fine. A solid
representative example of a U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action revolver.
Provenance: The Thomas Whiteman Collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000