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U.S. Springfield Model 1870 Trial Saddle Ring Carbine

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Carbines Start Price:1,100.00 USD Estimated At:2,250.00 - 3,500.00 USD
U.S. Springfield Model 1870 Trial Saddle Ring Carbine
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U.S. Springfield Model 1870 Saddle Ring Carbine

During the post Civil War period the U.S. Government experimented heavily with developing metallic cartridge rifles. One of the most cost effective methods for the Government was by taking left over muzzle loaders and converting them into single shot metallic breech loaders. The primary conversion method was using the Allin conversion on 1863 rifles during the 1868 to 1870 time period developed by Erskine Allin, Master Armorer at Springfield Armory. This Allin conversion went through several modifications before the "Trapdoor" series was adopted in 1868, with a final "prototype" calvary carbine adopted as the Model 1870. Several variations were developed, all with very low production numbers, using the 50-70 centerfire cartridge. This series of rifles and carbines eventually evolved into the successful Model 1873 Rifle and Carbines Series. In 1870 the last variations of rifle and carbines were produced, this carbine being one of them. Only 313 total of these carbines were produced and issued for troop trial. The fact that the U.S. Government was entering the Indian War period, it is amazing that any survived at all. The characteristics of this model are there is no serial number, and the 2 3/16" high arch breech block is marked, "1870/eagle head/crossed arrows/US". The lock plate is dated "1863" at the rear and the eagle shield motif and "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" ahead of the hammer. The receiver is the later short version and the barrel is fitted with a replacement dovetailed blade front sight and a folding ladder rear sight graduated to 7. It also has the correct two-click tumbler, two-piece trigger guard and is mounted with a smooth one-piece walnut half stock with a saddle ring and bar mounted on the left flat, boxed script "P" behind the lower tang and a "US" marked carbine buttplate.

Manufacture: Springfield Armory U.S.
Model: 1870
BBL: 22 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 50-70
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN

Good as period modified (dovetail rifle sight added, thus eliminating front sight stud). The metal surfaces have a brownish gray patina with some minor pitting on the barrel. The stock is also very good as refinished. There are two plugged holes on top of the wrist where it appears to have had a sight mounted at one time, and overall there are a few minor dents and dings. The markings are clear. The action is fine.