US Model 1875 2nd Type Trapdoor Officers Rifle

US Model 1875 2nd Type Trapdoor Officers Rifle

Indian Wars
.45-70. 26" round barrel. SN: NSN. Untouched attic metal with no finish remaining, engraved pewter nose cap, checkered walnut stock. Single shot metallic cartridge breechloading special order Officer's Rifle from Springfield Armory, circa 1881. Lock marked U.S./SPRINGFIELD in two lines forward of the hammer and with a {Spread-Winged Eagle} and decorated with flowing foliate Arabesque scrolls. Hammer and breech release lever engraved en-suite. Breech block correctly marked US/MODEL/1873 and with light engraving in the same style as the lock, with the chamber engraved as well. The tang and rear of the receiver also feature simple foliate engraving, with the rear of the breech dated 1881 where the serial number would usually be located. The top of the buttplate tang, the barrel band and the triggerguard are also engraved en-suite with the balance of the rifle, as is the pewter forend cap. A weak script SWP over a not completely legible date of what appears to be 1881 is located on the reverse wrist, opposite the lock. The rifle shows the expected "Officer's Rifle" features, including a single set trigger mechanism, 1879 rear sight on the barrel, mortising for the long range tang sight at the wrist which is now missing, half-stock sporting configuration with a checkered wrist and a single iron ferrule to retain a metal tipped wooden cleaning and clearing rod. The cleaning rod that is present is a modern reproduction. Stock with a dog's head lightly carved on the reverse.

This gun was found in a barn in Georgia a few years ago and remains in that essentially untouched, "barn found" condition. Only 477 "Officer's Model" rifles were ordered from Springfield Arsenal by US Army Officer's circa 1875-1885 with 252 of those being of the 2nd Type like this rifle. These are scarce guns in an condition and often sell at prices well into the five figure range. This one presents an opportunity to own a legitimate example for a reasonable price.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.
Arms, Armor & Militaria Good. Bore is dark and heavily oxidized with even light pitting and good rifling. Metal with a thickly oxidized and untouched brown patina. Markings in metal and engraving remain relatively crisp and fully visible. Cartouche in stock somewhat weak, as is the checkering at the wrist due to wear and possibly an old sanding. Mechanically functional action, set trigger functional, but needs to be cleaned and lubricated to function more smoothly. The breech block hinge pin is an original part but a replacement, as is the rear sight ladder. The front sight appears to be an old period of use replacement with a large German silver Rocky Mountain style blade in the dovetail rather than the typical combination globe sight. The stock shows moderate wear, with numerous scattered bumps, dings and mars from years of handling and use, as well as some flecks of paint which is not uncommon for barn found guns. The cleaning rod is a modern reproduction.