May 13-15, 2025 Firearms and Militaria
Lot #2081:
(A) RARE EXPERIMENTAL SPRINGFIELD US MODEL 1880 TRAPDOOR RIFLE WITH TRIANGULAR BAYONET.
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/14/2025
According to government records, Springfield produced 1001 of these experimental sliding bayonet rifles, the first of its type, and all were inspected in 1881. This example falls into the correct serial number range. The block is stamped "US MODEL 1873" while lock is stamped "US SPRINGFIELD" with eagle. The left side of barrel has the VP eagle head proof mark. Sports an 1879 rear sight, a post front sight, two bands with double swivels on front, near full length walnut stock with script proof P at wrist base, a butt plate with trapdoor that holds a combination tool and broken shell extractor. This rare rifle also has an original leather sling with a single brass hook. CONDITION: Excellent. The barrel, bands and butt plate retain the majority of blue finish. The block colors have mottled out. The lock retains a thinning blue appearance. Stock is excellent having been lightly cleaned at one time and cartouche on left side is no longer visible. The bore is bright.