March 1-2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/2/2018
The supply of surplus trapdoor rifles on the Western Frontier during the Indian wars were both abundant and inexpensive compared to a new Winchester, Marlin, Sharps, or Remington rifle. As such, numerous military rifles were converted by clever gunsmiths to a more adaptable sporting rifle capable of killing buffalo on a budget. The conversion from military to sporting variation was simply a matter of cutting the stock just forward of the rear barrel band retaining spring. A decorative pewter forend tip was fitted with a long tail and that was all. The remainder of the rifle exists just as it was made for the military with original 1873 rear sight and original front sight. The barrel is a combination of blue mixing with patina. The Springfield 1873 sideplate is a mix of blue and gun metal grey as is the hammer. Lock is dated "1873" and is a dull reapplied blue-black finish. Original stock is in excellent condition with a slight chip at left frame and refinished eliminating the military cartouche. Rifle still has US marked buttplate. Action is fine with a strong, clean bore.
Caliber/Bore
.45-70 Government