April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2023
Only 477 Model 1875 Officer Rifles were produced by Springfield between 1875 and 1885, making them one of the scarcest arms produced by the federal armory. These attractive and well built embellished sporting rifles were only available for private purchase by American military officers for an initial price of $36, later reduced to $27 in 1879. This rifle is fit with a standard pattern proofed 26" blued barrel chambered in .45-70 with a gold washed globe front sight and "R" marked rifle rear sight. As with all officers models, a mid-range vernier tang sight is also provided for sighting, this example fitted with a later oval base style sight. The unserialized action has a low arch breech block marked "U.S. / MODEL / 1873" with foliate scroll engraving on the bridge, breech block, and tang. The scroll engraving extends onto the hammer and lockplate, which also bears "U.S. / SPRINGFIELD" and federal eagle markings. Correct single set trigger operated by pushing the trigger forward while the hammer is in the cocked position. Rifle is fit with a correct checked walnut half length sporting style stock stamped with an encircled script "P" firing proof along the wrist. No pistol grip attachment present. Mounts are scroll embellished and include a white metal tip, iron barrel band, carbine style trigger guard, and "US" marked cadet rifle butt plate. Complete with a hickory wiping rod. CONDITION: Good overall showing period use. Barrel and other iron components have drifted to a pleasing plum gray patina, the breech block exhibiting a more silvery patina. Stock shows some period wear, impressions, and staining but no signs of major distress. Strong bore with some areas of light black powder pitting. Mechanically fine, with the hammer screw likely a replacement. These rifles were prized by their original owners, and remain a highly sought after addition to any collection of U.S. martial arms today.
Caliber/Bore
.45-70 Government