4304 COSTON SPRINGFIELD TRAPDOOR LINE THROWING GUN.

CURRENT BID
0.00USD
ENTER YOUR MAXIMUM ABSENTEE BID[?]
You must bid at least
750.00USD
USD
750.00 x 1 unit = 750.00USDApplicable fees & taxes are added at checkout.
[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2025 May 11 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 750.00 USD
Estimated at 1,500.00 - 2,250.00 USD
Cal. 45-70. S# 116810. Bbl. 11 7/8" smoothbore. The Coston Supply Company, established in 1840, supplied maritime equipment which included life-saving, signaling & line-throwing gear. This converted Springfield military rifle was used as a line-throwing gun primarily on vessels under 300 tons. The Springfield rifle in this conversion was originally manufactured in 1879 & was converted by shortening the bbl. & the forend while retaining the rear sight & lower band. Bbl. has "VP" acceptance marks. High arch breech block dated "1873". Three position tumbler. Lockplate marked w/ standard US Springfield & eagle. Long comb walnut stock retains traces of the original boxed acceptance mark on the left side. The muzzle end of the bbl. is fitted w/ a steel bracket attached w/ a screw. The "OD" green bracket holds a canister containing 400 ft of cotton line. The line is carried on a brass projectile which is inserted into the muzzle of the gun. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: the line-throwing gun is part of a kit contained in a reinforced fitted wooden box w/ a hinged lid & two over-center latches. As well as the gun, the box contains the original instruction paper which has the statement that the kit was approved by the United States Coast Guard November 28th, 1944. Also includes three metal canisters filled w/ original line, three tapered wooden spindles used for rewinding the line into the canisters, 10 brass projectiles which measure approx. 13" long one end of which has a loop to attach the line. There is a plain paper box containing 18 line-throwing blanks which do not have head-stamps. Box markings include "CAL. 45-70 BLANK CTGS FOR LINE THROWING GUN NAVAL CO. DOYLESTOWN, PENNA U.S.A.". CONDITION: the line-throwing gun has an arsenal finish of the stock w/ moderate wear & handling marks. The metal has an arsenal rework blue finish w/ light wear & oxidation. Bore has a frosted appearance w/ scattered very light pitting. Wooden box has the well-worn stained appearance expected from shipboard service. Edges have light chipping. Fittings have oxidation & patina. Canisters were bright, now turning gray. Instructions are yellowing w/ tape repair. Paper box for cartridges has staining & tearing. (01-26201/RW). ANTIQUE. $1,500-2,250.