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Collector’s Fact
According to authors Frasca and Hill, only 477 Springfield Officer’s Model Trapdoor rifles were produced.
THIS RARE SPRINGFIELD OFFICER’S MODEL HAS THE RARE ROUND-BASE VARIANT TANG SIGHT, MANUFACTURED BY SPRINGFIELD AND FOUND ON VERY FEW RIFLES
SIMILAR EXAMPLES PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK THE .45-70 SPRINGFIELD BY FRASCA & HILL
LOT 3090
Desirable U.S. Springfield Officer’s Model 1875 Type I Trapdoor Rifle - NSN, 45-70 Government cal., 26 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Only 477 of Officer’s Model rifles were manufactured by the Springfield Armory between 1875 and 1885 to fulfill the request
by U.S. Army officers for suitable sporting rifles for use in hunting and target shooting. Of those, 125 are estimated to have been this Type I configuration, manufactured c. 1875-1877. These are easily among the most desirable of all the rifles manufactured by the Springfield Armory thanks to their rarity, quality, and connection to military officers. They are not serial numbered, but this rifle is marked “92” on the inside of the trigger guard bow. In function, the rifle is a standard Model 1873 trapdoor rifle with a high-arch breechblock. However, it is embellished with traditional acanthus scroll engraving on the forend cap, receiver, breechblock, lock, trigger guard, and buttplate. The lock has the standard U.S. Springfield markings including an Eagle and shield behind “U.S./SPRINGFIELD/1873” (partial) and the breech block is marked “US/MODEL/1873”. There are standard proofs on the upper left of the barrel at the breech and “US” on the buttplate tang. It also features a shorter 26 inch
barrel fitted with a folding combination blade and globe Beach front sight, a Model 1873 rear sight graduated
50-4 on the left side of the stepped base and 6-12 on the ladder, and the round base tang mounted peep sight
which was manufactured by Springfield. It has a single set trigger, shorter sporting stock with checkered forend
and wrist, and a traditional style cleaning rod of the early nickeled and knurled type mounted below the barrel.
Includes detachable checkered pistol grip.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 90% plus original blue finish with scattered light surface rust and some light
flaking on the rear sight. 50% original case colors remain on action and lock plate with mild surface freckling
on the casehardened surfaces, and sharp
engraving. Stock is also very fine with rich
oil finish, some light scratches and dings,
a small chip above the band spring, and
crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
This attractive example of a Type I U.S.
Springfield 1875 Officer’s Model trapdoor
rifle would make a fine addition to
any collection.
Estimate: 13,000 - 19,000
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