April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
Made by the Springfield Armory in 1884, a mere 753 were ever manufactured. It is a bolt action repeating rifle with cartridges fed through the butt. Built with iron mountings, blued finish, military leaf style rear sight, post front sight, button tip cleaning rod, two barrel bands, sling swivels, and walnut stock. This rifle was approved for US Government service in 1882. Left side of barrel has the "VP" eagle proof. Top of frame is stamped "US SPRINGFIELD 1884". Left side of rear stock has inspector stamp in rectangle "SWP 1884" for Sam Porter. Cursive proof "P" in circle on buttstock. A large "3" has been stamped under forearm (generally unit and/or rifle ID number). CONDITION: Barrel retains approximately 95% original factory blue finish. 80%+ blue on bands and cap. Traces of case colors on frame, which have basically patterned out. 50% original blue on trigger guard, mostly on forward section. Buttplate has original blued loading gate. Bolt handle is a straight pull. Fine action. After the failures of the Trapdoor at the Battle of Little Bighorn, the military was actively pursuing more reliable firearms, especially repeating firearms. This was one of the few that got past the experimental stage during that era and saw issue to several units on the Western Frontier. Beautiful, very hard to find military rifle from the Indian Wars.
Caliber/Bore
.45-70 Government