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US Springfield Model 1861-70 Indian Scout Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,750.00 USD Estimated At:4,500.00 - 6,000.00 USD
US Springfield Model 1861-70 Indian Scout Rifle
The lot features a percussion musket rifle by Springfield being a Model 1861 to 1870 that is marked U.S.I.S. being issued by the United States Indian Service to the American Indian Scouts. The rifle shows a single side hammer percussion cap and ball with U.S. Springfield eagle stamped side receiver plate showing three screws and single tapped spot. The cap section has been replaced with a later early 1900’s percussion cap and nipple. The barrel shows a long round barrel with replacement graduated sight. The end of the barrel shows an octagonal cut tip extending about half a foot down. The wood stock has been shortened and shows a single barrel band. The top of the wood stock is marked USIS, standing for United States Indian Service. The Indian scouts worked for the U.S. Government in aiding Cavalry troops in searching for hostile tribes. The rifles are said to have been 50 caliber bore and converted to .44-40 which was commonly done on Indian Scout guns due to the lower caliber ball offering a better range and accuracy. The original brass ramrod is intact and the rifle is in good firing condition. The entire wood stock shows brass trade tacks in various designs such as a circle, swirl, zig-zag, cross and more. The rifle overall measures 46 ½ inches long. Provenance: From the ex-collection of Cyrus Eaton of London, England.