September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
According to Albert Frasca's "The .45-70 Springfield Book II" just 4 Model 1868 trapdoor carbines were produced for trial, previous production in the trapdoor series only included rifles and cadet rifles. The first 3 were made in the last quarter of 1869 with the final gun made in early 1870. This appears to be the singular example manufactured in 1870, the breech block correctly marked "1870" over an eagle head, crossed arrows, and "US". Barrel is correctly unproofed and measures 22 - 1/4". Correct 2-piece front sight with brass blade and 700 yard graduated ladder rear. Long nose 1868 receiver and high arch breech block. Matching numbers observed on the left of receiver and barrel. Standard 1864 dated musket lock with 2-click tumbler. Specially made walnut carbine stock mounted with a single barrel band without stacking swivel, saddle ring bar, 2-piece trigger guard, and "US" marked cadet size buttplate. CONDITION: Good, exuding honest Western character. Carbine displays an even oxidized chocolate patina. Stock has heavy handling, dings, and abrasions throughout with an overall aged, dry appearance. Some chipping present at the toe along with a sliver of loss along the tang. Bore shows oxidation with visible rifling. Fine mechanics. A very rare opportunity for the advanced collector to acquire such a scarce and important developmental US martial arm, one of the very first trapdoor carbines produced.