GUN FALL 2015
The live portion of this session begins on Monday, October 5, 2015.
RARE SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1881 LONG RANGE TRAPDOOR RIFLE.SPRINGFIELDTRAP DOOR162359.45-80Cal. 45-80. Rare, orig long range trapdoor rifle with 32-1/2" bbl that has Bull's modified 1879 rear sight with windage screw in the right side. The bore has 6 narrow lands and wide grooves and top of the bbl has special inspector initials over the chamber area. This one is marked "HGR". All other markings are standard for this model. Breechblock is 2nd type 1873 with flat 1879 lockplate. This rifle is mounted in a special service-style stock with Hotchkiss butt which consists of a little wider buttplate that is unmarked and without trap. The wood underneath the buttplate is not inletted for cleaning rod or tool. Almost immediately these rifles were deemed inappropriate because it would imply that the service rifle was inferior to the ones used by the shooting teams. It was ordered that the 150 rifles be distributed to division commanders to make such distribution as they deemed appropriate. This rifle is identified by SN in a chart on p. 224 of The .45-70 SPRINGFIELD Book II 1865-1893, Frasca, as being one of those special "Long Range Rifles". This chart shows that this rifle left Springfield Arsenal as found today with a Bull's long range rear sight and in a Hotchkiss stock that bore the "SWP / 1881" cartouche. It had 6 lands & grooves with "HGR" initials on the bbl and a smooth trigger. This rifle retains its original 32-1/2" bbl with 6 lands & grooves with the "HGR" inspector initials and its orig smooth trigger. Bottom of the forestock has a slot containing a button head ramrod. It has standard square base front sight/bayonet lug covered by type 3 snap-on sheet metal sight hood that is pinned in place. It retains its smooth walnut detachable grip adapter. Although the reference publication lists the cartouche as "SWP/1881" this is undoubtedly an error as there is no doubt that this stock is orig to this rifle. The order to produce these rifles was dated in Dec, 1880 and completed in Mar, 1881. PROVENANCE: Jonathan Peck Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 95-96% crisp original blue with only light muzzle end wear and some light dulling over the chamber area. Breechblock retains virtually all of its original bright case colors, brilliant in sheltered areas. Lock plate and hammer retain virtually all of their orig arsenal finish. Stock is sound with light handling and storage marks and shows a light hand worn patina. Mechanics are crisp. Very bright shiny bore. 49617-1 JR (5,000-8,000)