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U.S. Springfield Officer's Model Trapdoor Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:20,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
U.S. Springfield Officer's Model Trapdoor Rifle
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA 92606
U.S. Springfield Officer's Model Trapdoor Rifle, 3rd Variation with removable pistol grip, NVSN, .45-70 cal., 26'' barrel, single set trigger, checkered walnut stock, SVW/1885 cartouche, along with ''P'' proof at bottom of stock just behind checker point. Decorative nickel silver long pattern forend cap, mid-range vernier tang sight, 1873 type rear sight, with gold Beeches combination front sight. A total of 477 Officer's rifles were produced, with only 100 in this variation. Hickory ramrod with nickel-plated tip. Condition is about fine. Barrel has thinned and toned somewhat. Lightly engraved frame retains approx. 96% strong original blue. Case hardened breechblock, hammer, lockplate and release retain approx. 40%+ thinning and silvering case colors, as does triggerguard. Stock with light scuffs and oil darkening from Plains use. Front of lockplate cutout with very minor losses at most forward edge. Action is crisp, set trigger functions as designed, bore is mirror bright. Many of these 3rd Model Officer's rifles were sold off to such retailers as Bannermans and others in the post-1890 period, where they were refinished in the period style and are often sold as mint originals, which is often not the case. This rifle remains in its original as used condition. Est.: $20,000-$30,000. (Antique)