4280 U.S. SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1884 TRAPDOOR LINE THROWING

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,000.00 USD
Estimated at 2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
GUN WITH CASE AND ACCESSORIES. CAL. 45-70. S# 528576. Bbl. 14 1/2" (smooth bore). Rear sight has been removed leaving open screw holes. Brass post front sight. Model 1884 U.S. Springfield rifle modified to a line throwing gun by shortening the bbl. and removing the rifling. This allows a rod to be seated on a blank cartridge. The rod would then have a line attached to be thrown between two ships. This method then allows an increasingly larger line to be drawn between the vessels for lifesaving or towing. The low arch breech block is marked "U.S. / MODEL 1884". Bbl. is marked over chamber with "VP" proof. Flat lockplate has spread wing eagle & "U.S. SPRINGFIELD". 3 Click tumbler. 2 Piece trigger guard. Swivel bow has been removed. Long comb walnut stock w/ crisp boxed "SWP 1890". Encircled script "P" proof under grip. Stock has been shortened to approx. 3 1/2" above the lower band. Band spring is present. Ramrod channel is left open. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: lot includes a signal flare. The flare is attached to a turned wooden handle and is sealed complete w/ fabric pull tab. Red paper label. Markings include "COSTON'S FRICTION SHIP SIGNAL" plus instructions. Blank cartridges include: 1 full box of 20. Western Cartridge Co. Head stamped "WCC 45-70 MKI 1943". 2 Piece white box w/ black lettering. 2 Piece box w/ blue label marked "REMINGTON UMC" contains 3 cartridges & 5 loose MKI WCC 1943 blanks. Grouping is contained in a period hard case w/ brass fittings & latch w/ key lock (key is present). Case measures approx. 35" X 13 1/2" X 3 3/4" and is constructed from a molded black composite material. Inside are compartments covered w/ green painted cloth. Belt pouch marked "USN" on flap. Cleaning materials including jointed wooden rod plus jag tips in khaki canvas roll. Wooden file handle. "US" marked combination tool. Quantity of white cotton throwing line. 2 Unmarked brass "arrowheads" for attachment to throwing line. CONDITION: line throwing gun has original finish w/ added varnish around stock tip. Markings are crisp. Metal has traces of blue turning gray and patina. Metal furniture has a protective varnish like coating. Extractor is present but does not "snap". Smooth bore is dark w/ areas of shallow pitting. Case is solid but has handling wear, paint specks, scuffing & shallow scratches. Hinges are solid. Brass fittings have flaking. Varnish like finish. Handle is notably worn and abraded. Leather pouch has extensive wear, flexing and loose stitching. Blank boxes have moderate wear & staining. Flare seal is partly detached. Label is mostly legible. Wooden handle has staining. (01-24322/RW). ANTIQUE. $2,000-3,000.