September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
Serial number is 337855, caliber is .45-70 govt., barrel length is 24". On June 14, 1885 the Unites States Government contracted for an order of 1,000 experimental Model 1886 carbines. These carbines have several very distinctive features unique to this model to include; raised muzzle, a special front barrel band with an unusual sling swivel that folds up and wraps around the stock, a rounded forend, an 1884 Buffington rear sight stamped X C on the leaf. The breech block is stamped U.S. Model 1878, the sharp as new cartouche of left side is stamped SWP 1886 in a rectangular box (Samuel Porter). Bottom of the wrist has the script P in an oval, bottom of rear stock has a factory mounted sling swivel. In addition to the swivels the factory decided to keep the saddle ring and bar that was used on all Trapdoor carbines. It has a serrated trigger checkered at base. Left side of barrel at breech has a V P Eagle head marks. The side plate is stamped U.S. Springfield with eagle. Top of the buttplate is stamped U.S. This extremely rare carbine has survived in phenomenal all original condition. The barrel is a smooth blue brown patina with no significant blemishes. The breech block retains approximately 50% original case colors with some brilliance. The side plate and hammer retain approximately 90% of the arsenal blue with sharp legends. The trigger guard retains approximately 75% original blue with most of the wear on high spots with some patina while the tang and screws retain a majority of the original high polish blue. Even the trap door buttplate retains approximately 30% original blue blending patina with fire blue on screw. The bore is sharp and clean and action is perfect. The original walnut stock is excellent and shows no signs of ever being refinished or clean and the cartouche are as sharp as the day they were applied. There is a 2" closed (repaired) crack on right side forward of the side plate with a small chip and likewise the same type of crack and repair on the left side at the same position. There is a 3/4" hairline left side forward of rear sling bar mount and a 3/4" repaired chip on comb at buttplate. None of these affect the visual appeal of this rare carbine and a competent wood worker could greatly improve these minor flaws. Otherwise, fine condition carbine that is so scarce and so seldom seen that many collectors are not even aware of this variation.