4350 EARLY SPRINGFIELD 1875 TYPE I OFFICER MODEL US

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 5,000.00 USD
Estimated at 10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
TRAPDOOR RIFLE. Cal. 45-70. NSN. A total of 477 officers model rifles were produced between 1875-85. Most of these were purchased by officers w/ about 100 issued to officers in militia & guard units. The remainder were sold to commercial outlets after the adoption of the Krag rifle. Type 1 rifle. Estimated production of type I rifles was 125 in 1875-76 only. Unnumbered model 1873 action has an 1873 dated high arch breech block. Receiver 1873 dated lock, hammer, breech block, buttplate and bbl. band have moderate coverage of scroll hand engraving with fine wavy borders. Set trigger. Original finish with blue and case hardened. Model 1873 long comb style stock with short forearm tip having engraved pewter nosecap with long floral finial. Forearm and wrist are checkered. No pistol grip was provided on Type I rifles. Left ear of stock has a clear "ESA" cartouche referring to principle subinspector "Erskine S Allin". Hardwood cleaning rod has nickel finished brass fittings and is held by a single iron band. Bbl. 26" with Beech combination front sight and model 1873 rear sight installed with slotless screws. Long inletted base Sharps vernier tang sight with disc aperture. This sight was used on the first 25 officer model rifles produced. WEIGHT: 7 lbs, 14.8 oz. CONDITION: bbl. retains over 70% original blue with a lightly muted plum appearance showing small spots of surface corrosion. Action and fittings have faded to gray with areas of light brown patina. Stock has aged darkened appearance with worn checkering showing dents, scratches and marks. Lock area has small cracks and chips with small added wood repair forward of lock. Hammer does not always fall when utilizing set trigger, otherwise mechanically fine. Bore shows lightly worn rifling with small spots of very light pitting. PROVENANCE: From the estate collection of Thomas J. Mulligan. (01-23377/DS). ANTIQUE. $10,000-15,000.