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Springfield M.1875 3rd Type Officer's Model Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:8,750.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Springfield M.1875 3rd Type Officer's Model Rifle
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U.S. Springfield Model 1875 Third Type ''Officer's Model'' Trapdoor Single Shot Cartridge Rifle, NVSN, .45-70 CF cal., 26'' round barrel. Mfg'd circa 1875-1885 in a total quantity of only 477 pieces across three variations; this Third Type estimated at a mere 100 guns. Marked ''US/Model/1878'' at trapdoor hinge, spread-eagle on lockplate, ''US'' on buttplate tang. Folding globe front sight, graduated folding rear barrel sight, and folding adjustable peep tang sight at wrist. Lavish original floral hand engraving covers the lockplate, hammer, trapdoor, breechblock, barrel tang, triggerguard bow, barrel band and buttplate tang. Metal finish originally blued and case hardened. Oil-finished one-piece walnut stock checkered at wrist and en suite on forend and detachable pistol grip; rectangular ''SWP/1885'' inspector's cartouche on stock opposite lock; large fancy nickel-plated nose cap. Brass-tipped hickory cleaning rod retained by an under-barrel stud appears original. Screw slots are unblemished. Condition is fine with a bluish-brown tone to barrel, smooth, lightly patinated metal, and clear markings with the engraving at front of lockplate being somewhat obscured by pitting. Stock with some handling marks is nicely colored, smooth, solid and shows nicely. Action is tight and crisp, bore is bright with sharp rifling. With but 100 made, this rifle is a true rarity among military arms and a collector's prize. Est.: $12,000-$18,000. (Antique)(Joe Poyer collection)