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RARE SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1884 EXPERIMENTAL ROD BAYONET TRAPDOOR RIFLE.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
RARE SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1884 EXPERIMENTAL ROD BAYONET TRAPDOOR RIFLE.
SN 321126. Cal. 45-70. Very rare bayonet with 32-5/8" bbl, fixed hood over the front sight which has an internal 2-position blade as part of the hood and 1,400 yard Buffington rear sight without an "R" or "C" marking and without the rack & pinion system. Bbl has the usual "V", "P" and eagle proofs with an additional "P" and an "A" in front of the receiver. Breech block & lockplate have the usual 2nd type "1873" markings. Mounted in a 1-pc, full length walnut stock with straight grip and musket buttplate with trap. Left side of the wrist has a clear "SWP / 1885" cartouche and bottom of the stock has the circle "P" proof. Forestock is secured with two bands with the upper band having stacking & sling wires with another sling wire on the trigger guard containing an orig brown leather 1-pc sling with two keepers & brass hook. Bottom front of the bbl is equipped with the 1884-style ramrod bayonet attachment that has straight edge and flat ears that lock the rod bayonet in place. This style is the predecessor to the Model 1888 which had wrap-around locking ears. Bayonet is a rnd steel rod with knurled section at the end with dimpled tip. According to Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms there were only 1,000 of these rare rifles produced in 1884. Referenced publication states "The production run was made for trial use and distribution was wide spread. Survival rate is quite small. Very scarce.". According to The .45-70 Springfield Book II 1865-1893, Frasca, there were actually 1,013 of these rifles produced, 504 in 1885 and 509 in 1886 with respectively dated cartouches. Very few of these rare rifles are known today in orig configuration. According to the Frasca book, after the trials, most of the rifles were dismantled and serviceable parts were salvaged and used in the production of the Model 1888 rifle. CONDITION: Very good. Steel parts retain a dark attic patina with some blue showing through and moderate pitting over the top exposed surfaces. Stock has a gouge on the forestock, a few light bruises, nicks & scratches, otherwise is sound and retains a cleaned oiled finish. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bore. Sling is very fine with some light crackling to the surface and retains most of its orig brown finish. 4-47741 JR271