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Scarce U.S. Springfield Model 1881 Trapdoor Forager Shotgun

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:1,800.00 - 2,750.00 USD
Scarce U.S. Springfield Model 1881 Trapdoor Forager Shotgun
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Estimate: $1800 - 2750
Manufacturer: Springfield Armory U.S. Model: 1881
These Trapdoor Forager shotguns had a total production of approximately 1,376 and were manufactured from 1880 to 1885. The shotguns were manufactured for use by government hunters and scouts at western military outposts, and were issued at the rate of two per company with the last known issued in 1906 in Alaska. The barrel measures 24 3/4 inches long, 16 gauge. Note that Model 1881s are recorded as having 20 gauge barrels measuring 26 inches long. The shotgun has a brass bead front sight. The breechblock is marked "1881." The lock plate is marked "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/1873" ahead of the eagle shield motif. Casehardened breechblock and barrel tang with the remaining metal surfaces blue. One piece straight grip stock shortened at the forearm with a steel "U.S." marked buttplate and cartouche on the left wrist..
BBL: 24 3/4 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 16
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 1016
Condition:
Good. The shotgun retains traces of original blue finish and case colors in the protected areas with the balance a mottled dark patina showing some minor spotting. The repaired stock is fair with pieced section above lock plate and a couple of putty filled carved letter "M"s and some minor handling marks. The cartouche is weak. Mechanically fine.