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SPRINGFIELD 1870 U.S. NAVY RIMFIRE CONVERSION

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
SPRINGFIELD 1870 U.S. NAVY RIMFIRE CONVERSION
ROLLING BLOCK RIFLE. Cal. 22LR. S# 80. In 1870, Springfield Armory built 10,000 new rolling block rifles on the Remington patent in an effort to retain their trained gunsmiths until a standardized rifle could be accepted. In 1880, 100 model 1870 navy rolling block rifles were converted to 22 Rimfire for training purposes. These are the only 22 cal. rolling blocks ever used by the U.S. military. Bbl. 32 1/2" round w/ bayonet lug. Breech end of bbl. is fitted w/ a 20" sub cal. sleeve. Fixed front sight w/ graduated leaf rear sight. Top of bbl. at breech end has navy anchor. Left side of bbl. is marked "No. 80" followed by correct inspector's marking "W. W. K." followed by "P" firing proof over inspector's initials "H. B. R". Case colored no. 1 size rolling block action based on Remington patent. Right side has eagle over "USN / SPRINGFIELD / 1870". Top tang is marked "REMINGTON'S PATENT / PAT. MAY 3d, Nov. 15th 1864 April 17th 1868". 2 band fastened walnut forearm & straight grip walnut stock w/ US marked steel buttplate. Right ear of stock has a ESA cartouche referring to principal subinspector Erskin S. Allen. 2 small & 1 large five point stars are stamped between the receiver & the inspector's cartouche. Fittings consist of sling swivels & a slotted tip iron cleaning rod. CONDITION: bbl. finish has faded to brown showing aggressive cleaning. Action retains 30% dull lightly visible case colors. Dark oil soaked wood shows numerous dents & marks. 22 cal. insert retains a bright bore w/ strong rifling. PROVENANCE: From the estate collection of Thomas J. Mulligan. (01-23382/DS). ANTIQUE. $4000-6000.