EARLY SPRINGFIELD 1875 TYPE I OFFICER MODEL USTRAPDOOR RIFLE

EARLY SPRINGFIELD 1875 TYPE I OFFICER MODEL USTRAPDOOR RIFLE

01-23377
Cal. 45-70.
NSN.

A total of 477 officers model rifles were produced between 1875-85. Most of these were purchased by officers w/ about 100 issued to officers in militia & guard units. The remainder were sold to commercial outlets after the adoption of the Krag rifle. Type 1 rifle. Estimated production of type I rifles was 125 in 1875-76 only. Unnumbered model 1873 action has an 1873 dated high arch breech block. Receiver, 1873 dated lock, hammer, breech block, buttplate and bbl. band have moderate coverage of scroll hand engraving with straight line borders. Set trigger. Original blue and case colored finish. Model 1873 long comb style stock with short forearm tip having engraved pewter nosecap with long floral finial. Forearm and wrist are checkered. No pistol grip was provided on Type I rifles. Left ear of stock has a clear “ESA” cartouche referring to principle subinspector “Erskine S Allin”. Hardwood cleaning rod has nickel finished brass fittings and is held by a single iron pipe. Bbl. 26″ with Beech combination front sight and model 1873 rear sight installed with slotless screws. Long inletted base Sharps vernier tang sight with disc aperture. This sight was used on the first 25 officer model rifles produced. WEIGHT: 7 lbs, 14.8 oz.

PROVENANCE: From the estate collection of Thomas J. Mulligan.

STATUS: ANTIQUE