December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/12/2024
This early trapdoor was manufactured from April-June of 1874. Early features are the long wrist 9" comb full length walnut stock with ESA in oval cartouche (Erskine S. Allen) on left side, script P at base, number 16 stamped on top of stock (unit),high arch breech with legend Model 1873 US and eagle head, 1873 ladder rear sight (early style close to rear barrel band), there is a VP eagle head proof on left side of barrel (usually found on post 50000) as well as a C for condemned, checkered hammer has shield outline, no trap door in butt, post 1877 water quenched case colors on breech, sling swivels and metal rod. Side plate reads US SPRINGFIELD 1873 with eagle. It is our opinion that this is an 1874 made breech that was assembled a few years later with some transition parts. CONDITION: Excellent. Stock is sharp with crisp cartouche stamps with minor impressions only. Barrel retains at least 95% blue. Strong, some bright, case colors on breech. Even the nose cap retains generous color. Bore is bright. An extremely interesting and fine example of a very early 1873 trapdoor rifle.