1486

EXTREMELY RARE SPRINGFIELD POSITIVE CAM TRAPDOOR RIFLE.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:3,750.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 - 12,500.00 USD
EXTREMELY RARE SPRINGFIELD POSITIVE CAM TRAPDOOR RIFLE.
SN 415586. Cal. 45-70. Only 100 positive cam rifles were made between January & July 1888 as an experimental improvement in the firing pin of the trapdoor rifle to prevent the bolt sticking during rapid fire and the occasional broken firing pin causing a premature detonation. Invented by Col. A.R. Buffington this improvement is only discernible on close inspection. The only visibly external indication is a small screw on the right rear side of the breech block that is partially concealed by the thumb latch. Upon opening the breech block one can note a reinforced collar on the shaft of the thumb latch against the breech block with a corresponding cut in the receiver thumb latch recess. According to The .45-70 Springfield Book II 1865-1893, Frasca, these rifles were all produced in the 415,000 serial range and all have "1888" dated cartouches. Page 287 of the referenced publication has a chart listing 15 known positive cam rifles, one of which is #415585, the consecutive number to this rifle. The experimental firing pin developed by Col. Buffington was of an aluminum/bronze alloy which was the only part of his invention that was adopted, the remainder being deemed too complicated. This rifle, externally, appears to be a standard Model 1884 with 32-5/8" bbl, barleycorn front sight/bayonet lug and Buffington rifle rear sight. It has standard "VP" and eagle proofs with an additional "P" and an "A". Left side of the wrist has the aforementioned crisp "SWP / 1888" cartouche and the circle "P" proof on bottom of the stock. It has "1888" dated breech block & standard lockplate markings. Mounted in a full length, uncheckered, 1-pc walnut stock with two bands and musket buttplate without trap. Upper band has stacking & sling loops with a sling loop in front of the trigger guard containing an orig 1-pc brown leather sling with both keepers & brass hook. Bottom of forestock has a button head ramrod. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Bbl retains 97-98% strong orig blue with only light muzzle end wear; breech block retains lightly to moderately faded case colors; lockplate & hammer retain strong blue, moderately flaked; trigger guard & buttplate retain strong bright blue. Stock is sound with a series of bruises on right side of forestock and light nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig arsenal oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Sling is dry & flexed and retains about 50% orig brown. 4-47737 JR269