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Scarce Springfield Transitional Model 1879 Trapdoor Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:400.00 USD Estimated At:1,200.00 - 1,700.00 USD
Scarce Springfield Transitional Model 1879 Trapdoor Rifle
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Estimate: $1200 - 1700
Manufacturer: Springfield Armory U.S. Model: 1879
This is an example of a transitional or very early production U.S. Springfield Model 1879 rifle that was manufactured c. 1878. The left side of the stock wrist is stamped with the second style final inspection cartouche that consists of the circled script initials "ESA" above the date "1878". The circled script "P" proofmark is stamped on the underside of the stock behind the trigger guard. The rifle has the late. "1879" features include: low arch breech block, un-dated lock plate and thick wrist long comb stock. The barrel is fitted with a Model 1879 Buckhorn rear sight with 1,000 yard leaf and "B" stamped at the 266 yard gradation on the left side of the base. The lock plate is stamped with the spread eagle motif followed by "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" in two lines, the breech block is marked, "US./MODEL/1873" and the left side of the barrel is stamped with "V/P/Eagle head/P" proof and inspection marks. The serial number, "99347" is stamped on the top of the receiver behind the chamber. The rifle has a blue finish with an dark casehardened finish on the breechblock. 1878 production trapdoor rifles saw hard frontier service and are rarely encountered in the original issue configuration.
BBL: 32 5/8 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45/70 Govt.
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 99347
Condition:
Very fine. The rifle retains 80% of the slightly faded original blue and casehardened finish. Most of the finish wear is on the buttplate which has a dark patina. The stock is fine with a clear final inspection mark and crisp proof. The stock shows numerous nicks and dents overall and light to moderate handling wear elsewhere. This is a very good original example of a unique Springfield Model 1879 rifle that is very difficult to obtain in this condition.