September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/11/2024
Just 316 of these experimental bolt action carbines were manufactured for trial by Springfield in 1871. This classically configured carbine is fitted with a blued barrel with blade front sight and 700 yard graduated ladder rear. Oil quenched action marked on the left with federal eagle and "US / SPRINGFIELD 1871" partially obscured by the woodline. Oil finished walnut carbine stock impressed on the left with script "JWK" and "ESA" inspector cartouches for John W. Keene and Erskine Allin respectively. Hardware includes a case hardened barrel band, saddle ring bar, blued 2-piece trigger guard, and "US" marked butt plate. CONDITION: Very fine. Barrel retains the vast majority of its thinning original blue. Receiver and bolt likewise retain significant portions of their mottled, smoky, oil quenched finish. Case color patterning visible on the barrel band. Trigger guard and butt plate also retain the majority of their arsenal blue with some wear. Stock is very good with scattered impressions and dings. Very good, strong and bright bore with a few cleaned, light oxidation spots. Crisp mechanics. Already a scarce experimental martial arm, few are found in such nice condition.