September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/6/2023
Only 477 attractively finished Model 1875 Officer Rifles were produced by Springfield between 1875 and 1885, available only to American officers as private purchase arms. Built on a standard trapdoor action with a proofed 26" round barrel chambered in .45-70 with globe front sight and "R" marked rifle rear, an additional mid-range tang sight also present. Receiver bridge, upper tang, and case-hardened high arch 1873 breech block have been foliate scroll engraved in the correct pattern at a later date. The engraved "US / SPRINGFIELD / 1873" marked lock plate and hammer appear to be original. Rifle is fit with a fore and aft checkered walnut half stock with engraved mounts, including white metal nose cap, single barrel band, 2-piece trigger guard, and "US" marked cadet size butt plate. Buttplate appears original; other mounts appear to have been engraved later. Complete with a brass-tipped hickory wiping rod. CONDITION: Good as assembled. Barrel exhibits a plum patina, with lock plate and butt plate fading to gray. Other mounts and breech block retain significant portions of original finish. Stock is very good with some scattered marks. Strong bore showing well-defined rifling with some moderate black powder abrasion. Action requires adjustment.