September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
Just 314 of these experimental carbines were manufactured in 1870 by Springfield under a royalty agreement with Remington to trial against the trapdoor and Ward Burton carbines, where the trapdoor ultimately won out and became the Army's standard issue longarm. These trials carbines had a very low survival rate and are exceedingly scarce today, the consignor states that only 8 are known. This example has an unproofed 22" barrel with pinned blade front sight and 700 yard graduated rear sight. Rolling block action with correct small block spur. Action marked on the right "U.S. / SPRINGFIELD" / 1870" under a federal eagle with additional patent information on the tang. Lower tang also stamped with a "33" rack number. Correct 11 - 3/4" smooth walnut forend retained by a single barrel band. Plain walnut stock stamped with an Erskine Allin "ESA" cartouche under the saddle ring bar. PROVENANCE: Ex. Burton Kellerstadt Collection. CONDITION: Very good overall. Barrel displays an even light brown patina. Sights retains significant portions of faded arsenal finish. Action has been cleaned bright at some point with some areas of evidence of older oxidation spots. Stocks have a pleasant age darkened appearance with expected heavy handling marks. Bore is strong with older black powder oxidation spots. Fine mechanics. A rare opportunity for the advanced US martial arms collector.
Model
1870 Rolling Block Carbine