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LOT 278 Rare Documented Experimental Nickel Plated U.S. Springfield Model 1868 Trapdoor Rifle - Serial no. 38872, 50-70 U.S. Govt cal., 32 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, walnut stock. This experimental nickel plated Springfield Model 1868 Trapdoor rifle is one of only approximately 85-90 reportedly issued in total with serial numbers observed between 37040-40924, intended to test these guns as nickel plated by three different companies, as opposed to non-plated standard finished guns in the field. The included copy of a May 15th, 1871, dated report indicates shipment of these nickel plated rifles for issue to the commanding officers of the Department of the Platte in Nebraska, Leavenworth Arsenal in Kansas, and Fort Monroe Arsenal in Virginia,
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK FIREARMS OF THE AMERICAN WEST BY WORMAN
and lists this rifle by serial number as part of the Leavenworth Arsenal shipment. Another included copy of a July 27th, 1870, National Armory report clearly states “Nickel plated by United Nickel Co. Boston, Mass” and proceeds to list 30 serial numbers of guns nickel plated by the company including this example. It has the standard fixed blade front and 1,000 yard notch/ folding ladder rear sight, an “1863” dated lock, “1870” dated breechblock, matching serial number “38872” marked on the left breech of the barrel and receiver, “X” and “4460” on the right breech of the barrel, “S.H” marked behind the lower tang, and four circled script cartouches stamped on the left stock flat including “ESA” of Erskine S. Allin. This exact rifle is photographed in the book “Firearms of the American West, Vol. 2” by Charles Worman. CONDITION: Very fine, retains 70% of the untouched original nickel finish with some scattered light frosting and light flaking, and defined markings in the metal. The stock is also very fine with attractive original raised grains, a minor chip ahead of the trigger guard tang, a crack behind the barrel tang, some scattered light dents and handling marks, distinct edges and crisp stampings. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Collection of Charles Worman; The Collection of William R. Orbelo; Property of a Gentleman. Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 279
Rare Early Production Iron Guard U.S. Springfield Model 1880 Hunting Knife Serial Number 129 with Swivel Sheath - Constructed in the early style iron guard configuration with a ribbed wood handle, of which only 1,002 were manufactured. It measures 13 1/2 inches overall, with an 8 1/2 inch single edged blade set in an iron guard marked “129” on the right and “U.S. SPRINGFIELD” on the left. The ribbed wood grip has “S.W.P./1881” stamped on the butt. Includes a brown leather sheath, fitted with a brass throat and a belt loop with hinged cartridge loop bar and Watervliet Arsenal marks on the back.
CONDITION: Very good, blade and guard showing mostly a bright grey patina with some scattered patches of light surface pitting. The wood grip is also very good with a minor chip absent from the pommel, some scattered light handling marks, and well-defined serrations. The sheath is fine with mild wear, some light age cracking, and attractively aged brass.
Estimate: 3,750 - 5,500
LOT 280
Rare and Desirable U.S. Model 1869 Trowel Bayonet with Scabbard - A follow-up to the Model 1868 Trowel Bayonet, the Model 1869 is one of
the many attempts by the U.S. Army to develop and field a bayonet that could also act
as a digging tool. The Model 1869 improved upon the previous model, now with the addition
of a tampion to keep dirt out of the muzzle in response to concerns of soldiers attempting to
use the tool for digging while fixed. The front of the finger ring has been replaced with a hinged arm, which
can be flipped up to plug the muzzle with a replaceable felt or leather tampion. Overall
length is 12 3/4 inches, with the lightly dished triangular blade measuring 8
3/4 inches long and 3 7/8 inches wide, with the spine profile, joint,
and socket all closely following the then-standard U.S. bayonet
pattern. “57” is marked on the edge of the flip-up block.
Includes a brass-tipped brown leather scabbard marked with
“PAT DEC. 1, 1868” (in reference to Felix Chillingworth’s patent 84,612)
and “US” on the reverse of the belt loop. In the book “The American Bayonet
1776-1964” by Albert N. Hardin Jr., the Model 1869 trowel bayonet is described on pages 199-
201 in which it states, “This bayonet was made as part of the initial lot of 200 completed at Springfield Armory in March, 1869. Apparently no more
were made, and their actual number cannot be determined in the light of the mixed production run. The basic design of the M1869 is covered by
Letters Patent No. 91,564, issued to Edmund Rice on July 22, 1869... At the time the swiveling tompion device was no doubt deemed an improvement
over the standard M1868 type. The Chief of Ordnance complained that the trowel bayonet encouraged soldiers to dig with the bayonet fixed.”
CONDITION: Fine, showing generally a bright grey patina with some scattered light pitting throughout. The folding tampion functions as it should and retains some of the original felt plug. The sheath is also fine with some mild wear, light age cracking, and a few patches of acid type loss. A rare U.S. military bayonet that is absent from many of even the most extensive collections!
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
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