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LOT 1274 Custer Era U.S. Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 33731, 45-70 Government cal., 22 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This trapdoor carbine was manufactured prior to the Battle of Little Bighorn in June 1876. It is believed that most of the 7th Cavalry carbines were in the 33000-43700 range and were captured by the Native Americans during and after the battle. Many other early trapdoor carbines were used extensively by the U.S. Cavalry throughout the Indian Wars. Field replacement stock with illegible three letter inspectors stamp with “c” mark on the lower portion of the wrist behind the tang. CONDITION: Good with brown patina, scattered moderate corrosion and refinished blue finish visible on the barrel band. Stock is also good with scattered dents and scratches, and some chips at the toe. The firing pin is stuck, otherwise mechanically fine. Absent saddle ring. Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 1275
Excellent U.S. Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle with Bayonet - Serial no. 440354, 45/70 Govt. cal., 32 5/8 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Buffington rear sight and blade front sight with square base which doubles as a bayonet lug on a barrel stamped with the “V/P/Eagle head and P” proof and inspection marks on the left side and “A” on top. The barrel, hammer, lock, two piece trigger guard and
buttplate and are blue. The “low arch” breechblock and the barrel tang are casehardened. The stock is oil-finished walnut. The serial number falls into the Model 1884 serial number range (300000-500000) and the breechblock is stamped “US/MODEL/1884”, with the lock plate marked with the eagle and shield followed by “U.S./ SPRINGFIELD”. Three click hammer tumbler, grooved trigger, and stacking swivels, and iron ramrod with swollen shaft. The stock is stamped with a clear script “SWP/1888” cartouche, with the letter “B” and a circled “P” behind the trigger. Includes a “US” marked blued bayonet with steel scabbard and “US” leather frog. CONDITION: Excellent plus, as-issued. The rifle retains 98% plus original blue finish with scattered amounts of a protective coating remaining. There is some minor muzzle wear (caused by bayonet, now absent) with some minor thinning (of the high points of the buttplate). The tang and breechblock retain most of the original vivid case colors with a protective coating having been applied. The stock is excellent with some scattered minor dings and a few minor pressure dents. The stock markings are clear and crisp. The bayonet is very good. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 2,500 - 3,250
LOT 1276
U.S. Springfield Infantry Rifle Conversion of a Burnside Model 1865 Spencer Repeating Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 28713, 50 Spencer cal., 32 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. In 1871, Springfield Armory converted approximately 1,108 Burnside-Spencer carbines by fitting the actions
with rifle length barrels chambered for .50 rimfire ammunition with three-groove rifling and adding the Stabler cut-off device. The armory
also refurbished the parts and added a nearly full length forearm with two barrel bands and a slotted cleaning rod. Spencers were easily among the most advanced
weapons of the Civil War and remained in use during the late-19th century Indian Wars in the hands of both the U.S. Army and various Native Americans. These
rifles were apparently manufactured to utilize unserviceable Spencer carbines and excess Springfield musket components. Serial number “28713” marked on the top of the
receiver and the left breech of the barrel. It retains the carbine sling bar and ring, and Stabler magazine cut-off. Oval script “ESA” (Erskine S. Allin) inspection cartouche stamped on the left wrist of the stock behind the sling bar.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 50% arsenal blue finish flaking to a smooth brown patina on the balance, 30% original case colors strongest on the sideplate with areas of scattered light pitting. Wood is fine with some scattered scratches and dings, a few cracks visible around the buttplate. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 1277
Scarce U.S. Springfield Model 1882 Chaffee-Reece Bolt Action Rifle - NSN, 45-70 cal., 28 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. These rifles are based on designs by General J. N. Reece (commonly misspelled Reese) and Reuben Chaffee and approved for production and field use by the Ordnance Department in 1882 for testing alongside the Lee and Hotchkiss rifles. Only 753 were manufactured at Springfield Armory in 1884. Colt manufactured the original test rifle. The rifles were ultimately sold off as surplus after trials. Many were damaged and simply sold as scrap. This example has standard markings and features including the crisp “SWP/1884” cartouche on the left side of the butt. CONDITION: Very good plus with 40% original finish on the barrel, 30% of original casehardened finish elsewhere, smooth gray and brown patina on most of the balance, rusted and pitted buttplate, filler visible on the butt, and mild dings and scratches on the metal and wood. The magazine needs work. The action is mechanically fine. Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250
LOT 1278
U.S. Springfield Model 1879/90 Trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 141704, 45-70 Government cal., 22 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1880 and subsequently arsenal upgraded/rebuilt. It has a pinned blade front sight, Buffington rear sight, barrel band with built in sight protector for use with a leather boot on horseback, boxed script “SWP/1880” (Samuel W. Porter) inspection cartouche stamped on the left wrist of the stock, circled script “P” proof behind the lower tang. Includes a three-piece cleaning rod in the butt trap. CONDITION: Fine, retains 70% arsenal refurbished blue finish, 50% faded original case colors with scattered light to moderate freckling. Stock is also fine with defined edges,
scattered light dents and handling marks, and crisp stampings. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250