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EXTREMELY RARE MODEL 1875 LEE VERTICAL ACTION SINGLE SHOT MILITARY RIFLE.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 7,000.00 USD
EXTREMELY RARE MODEL 1875 LEE VERTICAL ACTION SINGLE SHOT MILITARY RIFLE.
SN 100. Cal. 45-70. Another invention from the fertile mind of James Paris Lee, this rifle was produced at Springfield Armory in about 1875. Congress had appropriated $10,000 for the development of this rifle but after only 143 were produced the funds ran out and the project was never refunded. With that limited production it makes this one of the most rare of all military rifles. Rifle is described as having a 32-5/8" bbl with barleycorn front sight/bayonet lug for socket bayonet and a Trapdoor Springfield 1,200 yard ladder rifle rear sight. Mounted in a full length, 1-pc, uncheckered walnut stock with two bands and blued steel nose cap. Upper band has both stacking & sling loops with corresponding sling loop in front of the trigger guard, which contain an orig 1-pc brown leather sling with both keepers and brass hook. Bottom of forestock is slotted for a partially concealed trapdoor-style slotted head ramrod. Left side of the wrist has the "ESA" (Erskine S. Allin) cartouche and bottom of the stock has the circle "P" stock inspector cartouche. Top tang is stamped "U.S." and patent date. Action is most unusual with Martini-style breech block that is opened by striking the rear face of the hammer spur with the heel of one's hand which causes the front of the breech block to lower and if sufficient force is exerted the empty cartridge casing will be ejected. At that point the breech block is locked open and is allowed to close only when a cartridge is loaded into the chamber and the rim of the casing depresses the extractor. The hammer is then cocked & fired in the normal manner. Very few of these rare rifles have survived today and are found only in the most advanced Springfield Collections or museums. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl retains 92-93% strong orig blue showing wear only around the muzzle from bayonet installation; receiver & top tang retain about 80% orig blue with losses mostly from flaking; breech block & hammer are mostly bright metal. Stock has a 3/4" x 3/8" spot of fill by the top tang and a crack in the left side of the wrist, otherwise wood is sound and retains a smooth hand worn patina with good cartouches. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bore. Sling is sound with dry lightly crackled outer finish, in need of treatment. 4-47739 JR267