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Rare and Exceptional Springfield/Lee U.S. Inspected Model 1875 Vertical Action Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,750.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 - 11,000.00 USD
Rare and Exceptional Springfield/Lee U.S. Inspected Model 1875 Vertical Action Rifle
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This an excellent example of a Springfield/Lee rifle that was invented by James Paris Lee, who was one of the more prolific firearms inventors during this time. A total of only 143 of these vertical action rifles were manufactured under his supervision at the Springfield Armory in 1875 before the small amount of money appropriated for them ran out. This unique rifle features a Martini type dropping block action with centrally mounted spur hammer. The breech closes automatically on insertion of the round in the chamber. The rifle is chambered for the .45/70 cartridge and has a 32 5/8-inch round barrel with a Model 1873 Springfield Rifle rear sight with a small blade front sight. The left side breech end of the barrel is marked with a small number "2" and there is a "T" on the opposite side. The rifle is fitted with a Model 1873 ramrod with slotted, knurled, head. The one-piece trigger guard has a sling swivel fitted to the front of the trigger guard bow. The receiver tang is marked "U.S." followed by "PAT. MAR.16.1875". The patent markings are parallel to the axis of the bore. The rifle is mounted with a smooth full one-piece black walnut with an oil finish and iron carbine buttplate, which is marked "US" on the tang. There is a stacking sling swivel on the front barrel band. The left side of the stock just ahead of the wrist is marked with a crisp "ESA" oval cartouche. There is a small "J" stamped behind the lower tang followed by a circled script "P". The Model 1875 Lee Vertical Action Rifle is an extremely rare U.S. martial arm found only in the most advanced collections.
BBL: 32 5/8 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45/70
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Excellent. The rifle retains 98% of the original blue finish with some thinning to a plum blue and showing a small amount of very light spotting. There is some edge wear on the receiver. There is some thinning on the barrel bands. The trigger guard retains 90% original blue finish with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The stock is very good with some overall scattered minor pressure dents, dings and scratches. The buttplate is a mix of bright original blue finish and a smooth gray patina with loss due mainly to flaking. The markings and cartouches are clear and crisp. This is an excellent example of one of the rarest U.S. breech-loading martial arms. It would be a stand-out piece in advanced U.S. martial arms collection.