1487

VERY RARE SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1880 ROD BAYONET RIFLE.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
VERY RARE SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1880 ROD BAYONET RIFLE.
SN 157186. Cal. 45-70. Usual configuration with 32-1/2" rnd bbl, standard square base front sight with stamped spring steel sight hood and a 1,200 yard ski-jump ladder rear sight marked "R" on the left side. Bbl has usual "V", "P" and eagle proofs with an additional "P" at the receiver. Breech block is marked "U.S. MODEL 1873" and standard "U.S. SPRINGFIELD" and eagle lock markings. Mounted in a full length, 1-pc, uncheckered walnut stock with two bands and crisp "1881" dated "SWP" cartouche on left side. Bottom of stock, below bottom tang, has the small inspector initials "J.C" and two circle "P" proofs. Buttplate is the "new style" with swinging trapdoor which contains a combination tool and two rod bayonet wiper caps which screw onto the threaded end of the ramrod. Upper band has both stacking & sling loops with a corresponding sling loop in front of the trigger guard containing an orig 1-pc brown leather sling with both keepers & a brass hook. Bottom of the bbl has an attachment containing a triangular shaped rod bayonet with stamped sheet metal latch. According to The .45-70 Springfield Book II 1865-1893, Frasca, the National Armory at Springfield produced 1,014 of these rare rifles in 1881 of which 900 were issued for trial. Mr. Frasca speculates that most of these rifles were dismantled and non-serviceable parts were sold as surplus. He states also "Today very few Model 1880 rifles exist." On p. 262 of the referenced publication he lists SNs of known Model 1880 rifles, one of which is #157816, which may be a typographical error for this rifle which number is #157186. Mr. Frasca states that he believes that about 25 of these rod bayonet rifles were assembled from surplus parts but lack the correct final inspection marks. CONDITION: Very fine plus. Bbl retains 97-98% strong orig blue with some fine freckles of surface rust; breech block retains virtually all of its orig case colors, turned a little dark; lockplate, hammer, trigger guard & buttplate retain virtually all of their orig finish. Stock has two large bruises on right side of the butt, a couple smaller ones on left side, a small repaired chip by the top tang and a few light nicks & scratches and retains virtually all of its orig arsenal oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Sling is extremely fine, slightly crackled, and retains most of its orig brown finish. 4-47738 JR268