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LOT 219
Rare Documented U.S. Springfield Model 1879 Long Range Trapdoor Rifle with Desirable Bull Rear Sight and Springfield Research Service Letter - Serial no. 114229, 45-70 Government
cal., 32 5/8 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This is one of only 33 total manufactured Model 1879 Long Range Trapdoor rifles manufactured in the year 1879 with six-
groove rifling and a buttplate identical to a Hotchkiss rifle. This rifle is one of 127 total Long Range
Collector’s Fact
According to the Springfield Research Service letter, this rifle is 1 of only 33 U.S. Springfield Model 1879 Long Range Trapdoor Rifles produced in 1879 with six-groove rifling and a Hotchkiss buttplate.
rifles (including the Model 1881s) fitted with Freeman R. Bull’s windage adjustable buckhorn rear sight. Included Springfield Research Service letter from Frank Mallory states, “Pursuant to your request for information on Springfield cal. .45 rifle serial no. 114229, please be advised that the records of the U.S. Ordnance Dept. indicate that this arm is one of 183 Long Range rifles made in
1879 and 1881. Rifle no. 114229 is one of 33 made in 1879. It is believed that rifle no. 114229 was either used or exhibited at the Creedmoor national rifle matches in 1879. A letter dated Oct. 20, 1879, from Col. Joseph C. Audenried [scanned copy included] requested
permission to purchase this rifle; however, the Commander of Springfield Armory declined to sell it, stating that there were only four of these special rifles on hand at
the Armory and all were needed for experimental purposes. There is no information on subsequent use or disposal of this rifle.” A boxed script “SWP/1879” (Samuel W.
Porter) inspection cartouche is marked on the left wrist. The left rear of the barrel is marked with “V/P/eagle head/P” proofs, and the top of the barrel at the breech with
the letter “R”. The breechblock is marked “U.S./MODEL/1873”, and the lock plate is marked with the eagle/shield motif and “U.S./SPRINGFIELD”. Three-click tumbler and
smooth trigger. Blue finish with casehardened breechblock and barrel tang and oil finished walnut stock. A circled “P” proof is marked behind the trigger guard tang.
The unique straight profile Hotchkiss buttplate has no “US” marking on the tang as normally found on standard issue Trapdoor rifles. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials are marked at the toe of the stock. Includes period leather sling. Information on these long range rifles can be found on pages 94-102 of “The 45-70 Springfield” by Albert J. Frasca.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 90% original blue finish with some light muzzle wear and some areas of light freckling. Retains 70% original case colors, strongest on the barrel tang, with gray patina on the balance. The middle barrel band is refinished. Stock is fine as lightly sanded and re-oiled with some light scratches and dents, a chip at the toe, and a defined cartouche. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
LOT 220
Rare and Excellent U.S. Springfield Model 1875 Lee Vertical Action Single Shot Trials Rifle - Serial no. 67, 45-70 Government cal., 32 5/8 inch round
bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. On June 23, 1874, Congress approved “For the purpose of testing Mr. Lee’s breech loading gun under the direction of the Secretary of
War the sum of ten thousand dollars is hereby appropriated.”These rare Model 1875 rifles were manufactured by Springfield Armory under the supervision of inventor
James Paris Lee. After one year, 143 rifles were completed using the appropriated $10,000, working out to a cost of approximately $69.93 per rifle. These rifles were found capable of a rate of fire of
about 40 rounds per minute. The Model 1875 Lee drew inspiration from the Martini and Peabody series of single shot falling block rifles. The biggest change introduced by Lee was the use of a combination
hammer and breech lever; from a decocked position, a push forward on the hammer drops and locks the breechblock while simultaneously ejecting a spent cartridge case, which automatically unlocks and closes
when a round is chambered. Once closed, the hammer can be thumbed back to a locked half-cock position for carry or all the way back to full-cock for immediate action. Blade front sight doubling as a lug for a socket
bayonet and 1,100 yard Model 1873 folding ladder rear sight. Serial number “67” marked on the right of the hammer and underneath the breechblock (requires disassembly to view). The upper tang is stamped “U.S.” above “PAT. MAR. 16. 1875.” It has two “U” marked barrel bands. The front band has stacking sling swivels, and the trigger guard has a single swivel through the front. The smooth straight grip stock is stamped with Master Armorer Erskine S. Allin’s oval script “ESA” inspection cartouche ahead of the left stock wrist and a small “B” inspection letter ahead of the circled script “P” proof stamped behind the trigger guard. “US” marked buttplate tang.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 98% attractive original blue finish on the barrel, 95% oil quenched casehardened finish on the receiver, 70% oil quenched casehardened finish on the trigger guard and buttplate, with sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Stock is excellent with attractive grains and rich oil finish, some light handling marks, a minor chip at the toe, defined edges and a crisp cartouche as originally partially stamped. Mechanically excellent.
218 Estimate: 7,000 - 9,000