January 31 & February 1, 2015 Firearms & Knives
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/31/2015
Rarely does one find a military rifle in this condition I.D.'ed to a specific soldier and division from the Indian Wars. This rifle was issued to Neals Anderson in 1891. Neals was a member of the 3rd Infantry, 8th Cavalry Dakota Territories. This rifle comes with copies of the original issue papers, along with copies of the 8th Cavalry from this era with such notable images as Red Cloud, Captain Taylor, military photographs of the division, Pine Ridge Indian camp, Comanche the horse that survived the Custer massacre, and an Indian chief taken at Pine Ridge in 1891. This is a standard U.S. Trapdoor rifle with the ramrod bayonet, hooded front sight, and chambered for the .45-70 govt cartridge. Standard features include 32-5/8" barrel, two barrel bands, walnut stock, dated 1884 case color block, and single shot. Rifle is all proper with all proper military inspector marks. The cartouche on left side of wrist reads SWP 1891 (Samuel Porter). All metal surfaces are a strong blue mixed with light patina with sharp factory markings and traces of color on block. Excellent walnut stocks with no crack or chips and just minor bumps and bruises associated with war-time use. Near Mint bore. Perfect action. Very historical documented Trapdoor Indian Wars rifle in exceptional condition. There are volumes written on the 8th Cavalry from this time period as it pertains to the Indian Wars. Further research on this soldier could add even more history. In the December 2014 Martial Arms Collector magazine Mr. Gagner writes about this rifle with the following information: The 3rd Infantry was garrisoned with 7th and 8th Cavalry during various Indian battles. Neals Anderson enlisted in Boston, Massachusetts, age 28.