June 25-28, 2018 Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/25/2018
Only 143 of these rifles were made by Springfield in 1875, using the Martini style dropping block action and a unique centrally mounted hammer with tall top spur. These were invented by James P. Lee and made under his supervision at Springfield and the allocated amount of money ran out after only 143 were produced. This rifle has an entirely blued finish with no proofmarks on the barrel, back of action tang is marked "U.S. / PAT. MAR. 16, 1875" Walnut stock has a deep inspector's cartouche "ESA" for inspector Erskine S. Allin, encircled script "P" stamped behind trigger guard tang. Blued furniture and "U.S." marked buttplate. The rifle features an 1873 trapdoor rear sight and has a bayonet lug/front sight mounted on top of muzzle. Complete with original blued cleaning rod. It would be nearly impossible to find a better example of this extremely rare martial longarm. This rifle retains about 98% original blue finish, overall, with some minor rubs and losses on trigger guard and buttplate (retains about 70-80% blue). Stock excellent with crisp cartouche and a few scattered dings and storage marks. Excellent strong action and excellent shiny bore.
Model
1875 Lee Vertical Action