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SPRINGFIELD 1879 LONG RANGE TRAPDOOR RIFLE.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:3,500.00 USD Estimated At:7,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
SPRINGFIELD 1879 LONG RANGE TRAPDOOR RIFLE.
Cal. 45-80-500. S# 162426. In 1879 the Secretary of War issued the "Creedmoor Directive" for the purpose of showing the Springfield rifle's ability & competitiveness. This resulted in the Army Marksmanship Program having three teams at the Creedmoor Matches that September. The first group of 20 rifles were shipped in 1879, this rifle is from the group of 150 ordered in December 1880 and filled March 1881. Bbl. 32 5/8" w/ six groove rifling. Breech end of bbl. has standard "V/P/Eagle's head" on left side w/ the letters "H/G/R" on top. Blade front sight w/ the model 1883 solid sight cover w/ Freeman R. Bull's windage adj. buckhorn rear sight. 1873 dated low arch case colored breechblock. Flat style lock plate w/ eagle is marked "US / Springfield". Serrated trigger. 2 band walnut stock w/ 1881 dated "SWP" cartouche. Special features include the unmarked shotgun style buttplate & checkered steel grip attachment. Toeline behind the grip attachment is stamped "U" over the circle "P" firing proof. Stock is fitted w/ a leather military sling & slotted tip cleaning rod. CONDITION: very fine, retaining over 90% blue showing light edge wear. Breechblock & top tang retain over 80% finish. Stock has original finish w/ a clear cartouche showing scattered handling marks & dents. Bright bore w/ strong rifling. PROVENANCE: From the estate collection of Thomas J. Mulligan. (01-23387/DS). ANTIQUE. $7000-10000.