May 28 & 29, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/28/2020
During the year 1874 to early 1875 several ranking U.S. Army officers had the idea for the Springfield Armory to build them a "made to order" sporting rifle using the service Model 1873 Trapdoor Springfield as the platform. Eventually the number of requests to purchase these special-order sporting rifles became burdensome. During June of 1875 the acting Chief of Ordnance, Major S.C. Lyford determined the specifications for a "standardized" sporting rifle to be manufactured by the Armory for private purchase by commissioned officers of the armed services as well as certain high ranking civilians. On August 2, 1875 an advertising circular was prepared to describe the new "Officers Model 1875". The circular in part defined the weight of the rifle at about 8 pounds, .45-70 caliber, length of barrel (all round) at 26", stock checkered "fore" and "aft", the breech tipped with a white metal (engraved) cap, plain "buckhorn" rear barrel sight, (like the service sight) a stock mounted rear sight and a fold down globe front sight, single set trigger, wood "ramrod" for cleaning mounted to the gun, the breech-block, receiver, hammer, lock, band, and the heel of the buttplate plainly engraved. Cost of the rifle $36.00. Unfortunately none of these guns were serialized so names of people that ordered specific guns is unknown, however Springfield Armory manufacturing records documents a total of 490 Officer Model 1875 rifles were build between 1875-1885. The rifle being offered in this lot has all the features as described above. Further information has been provided by esteemed collector C. Vance Haynes. Mr. Haynes extensive 52 year research of Officer's Model Rifles has determined these guns were built in six lots, and can be identified by assembly numbers found on certain parts. This rifle is believed to have been 1 of 50 guns built in lot #5, during October-December 1881. CONDITION: Fine overall. All metal parts are a clean grey/brown patina showing traces of original finish in protected areas. Bore is fine showing moderate abrasion. Action is tight and crisp. Stock is sound showing modest wear. Nice checkering. Inspector cartouche visible on left side of stock at the wrist. All parts appear to be original to the gun. Overall a nice representative example of a scarce and historic rifle. -MKS-
Caliber/Bore
.45-70 Government
Model
Trapdoor Officers Model