GUN FALL 2015
The live portion of this session begins on Monday, October 5, 2015.
RARE SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1888 POSITIVE CAM TRAPDOOR MILITARY RIFLE.SPRINGFIELD1888 POSITIVE CAM415598.45-70Cal. 45-70. Very rare rifle, only about 100 produced in 1888. This improvement was designed to reduce play in the breechblock and is readily identifiable by the firing pin retaining screw being just visible on right side of breechblock underneath the thumb latch. It is otherwise a standard trapdoor rifle with 32-1/2" bbl, square base front sight/bayonet lug and Buffington rear sight. Breechblock and lockplate have standard markings. Mounted in a 1-pc walnut stock with 2 bands with a groove down the bottom of forestock containing a buttoned-head ramrod. Left side of stock, at the wrist, has a crisp "SWP" cartouche over the date "1888". Buttplate is standard rifle/carbine style without trap. Bottom of stock, below bottom tang, has the "P" in a circle proof. According to The .45-70 SPRINGFIELD Book II 1865-1893, Frasca, there was 100 of these rifles produced at the behest of Col. A.R. Buffington in 1888 for testing at the San Antonio Arsenal. The request was approved and 100 rifles, in the 415000 serial range, were produced between January & July 1888. There is no indication as to whether these rifles ever reached San Antonio or if they were ever tested. Regardless, they are one of the most rare Springfield Trapdoor rifles. PROVENANCE: Jonathan Peck Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Overall retains about 99% crisp original finish with bright blue & lightly faded case colors, brilliant in sheltered areas and also on top tang. Wood has a few nicks & scratches and storage dings with crisp cartouche. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore. Appears to be unfired. 49617-2 JR (3,000-5,000)