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Springfield Transitional Model 1873-1877 Trapdoor Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:375.00 USD
Springfield Transitional Model 1873-1877 Trapdoor Rifle
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Antique U.S. Springfield Transitional Model 1873-77 Trapdoor Breechloading Infantry Rifle, #357479, .45-70 Gov't. CF cal., 32-5/8'' round barrel with block-blade front and Buffington rear (marked ''R'' for Rifle) sights, is marked ''V/P/ (eagle head) / P'' and ''A'' at breech; trapdoor breechblock is marked ''US /Model/1873'' at hinge; flat lockplate is marked ''(spread-eagle)'' to left of ''U.S./Springfield'' at front; steel furniture includes two-piece triggerguard with sling swivel at front, buttplate marked ''US'' at top screw, two spring-retained barrel bands (front with stacking swivel), nosecap, and button-tip ramrod; oil-stained walnut fullstock has a bold ''SWP/1886'' rectangular cartouche of armory inspector Samuel W. Porter opposite lock. This rifle has the M1873 feature of the flush barrel-receiver juncture, and M1877 changes: low-arch breechblock, no date on lockplate, and elongated stock comb. Condition is fine. Barrel shows approx. 95% smooth military blue, triggerguard has 98% glossy blue, buttplate retains 60% blue; breech, lockplate and hammer are a smooth dark color; trapdoor shows lovely mottled case colors, edges and markings are sharp and clear. Stock is smooth and sound with lovely grain and color, a sharp inspector's mark, and darkening at buttplate. Buffington rear sight is from a later gun. Action is strong and smooth; bore is brilliant with deep rifling. Est.: $750-$1,000. (Antique)