June 25-28, 2018 Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/25/2018
Round barrel, blue finish and walnut stock. This is a unique example of a US Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor "Trials Model" marked carbine. This dual extractor design was most likely developed due to all the extractor problems that the Calvary was having with this Trapdoor design. The basic problem was actually not with the design it was with the .45-70 ammunition and lack of adequate cleaning or maintenance. The first type of .45-70 cartridges had a tendency to stick in the chambers after they were fired and when the breech block was forced completely open it broke the single extractor. To correct this problem a dual extractor system was developed. They produced only a handful of this design with even fewer weapons actually issued to the field for testing. The carbine is actually stamped on top of the barrel in front of the rear sight: "TRIALS MODEL" and on the right side with: "U.S. BENECIA ARSENAL", and on the left side: "DUAL EXTRACTOR SYSTEM". The top of the receiver over the chamber area is stamped: "45 CAL/70 GRAINS M.P./405/GRAINS B.W./1000 ROUNDS". Clearly indicating that this carbine was actually sent to Benecia Arsenal and fired 1000 round of the noted .45-70 ammunition. Other than those modifications, the carbine is a standard production model. The serial number falls into the noted range for a Model 1877 carbine. It is fitted with a high arch breech block marked "SPRINGFIELD/1873/Eagle I lead proof/Crossed Rifles/U.S.". It is fitted with a three click tumbler on the lock and the lock plate is stamped "U.S. SPRINGFIELD/1873". It is also fitted with the twopiece trigger plate/trigger guard with a smooth face trigger. It has its original long-comb, short wrist carbine stock that has the original carbine sling bar and ring on the left side followed by a single unidentified, possibly added, "JM" oval cartouche. It is fitted with a standard integral blade front 'light and the rear sight is similar to the Model 1868-70 trapdoor. Why that sight we don't know but it has been on the carbine since it was built and it has the same original matching finish. Interestingly this rare example has the new style buttplate with the trapdoor and the stock cutouts for the new three-piece cleaning rod and ruptured shell extractor (all not included with the carbine). This was another improvement that was developed after the Custer fiasco. Very good as modified for improved cartridge extraction with traces of the original blued finish remaining mostly in the protected area of the barrel with the overall exposed metal areas showing a light blown patina type finish.The case colors on the breech block have silvered out. The stock is in good condition overall with a nice medium brown color, showing light wear mixed with minor handling marks. The right side of the stock, just above and below the lock plate, shows an old age crack or wood separation that angles down to the edge of the trigger plate. Regardless, this is a unique, previously unknown, experimental "Trials Model" test carbine.` CORRECTION: It has been discovered that the JM cartouche is the of Julian McAllister who was commander at Benecia Arsenal from 1874 through 1888.