^Lot 38 Indian Wars Springfield M1884 Infantry Rifle

Indian Wars U.S. Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor Infantry Rifle, #387446, .45-70 Gov't. cal., 32-5/8'' barrel is marked ''V/P/(eaglehead)/P'' and ''A'' at breech and fitted with block-blade front sight (also serves as a bayonet lug) and Buffington adjustable rear sight; flat lockplate is marked ''(spread eagle)'' to left of ''U.S./Springfield'' beneath trapdoor latch; steel furniture including two spring-retained barrel bands (top with stacking swivel), two-piece triggerguard (with sling swivel at front), buttplate marked ''US'' and ''2/H/55'' on top tang, nosecap, slotted button-head steel cleaning rod; one-piece oil-stained walnut fullstock deeply struck ''2/H/55'' ahead of buttplate tang. Mfg'd 1888. Condition is very good, the barrel a gunmetal-brown patina having scattered light dings between top band and muzzle, balance of the metal a dark gunmetal gray showing traces of case hardening, buttplate with cleaned erosion. All markings are clear. Stock is smooth and solid with nice color and a crisp ''SWP/1888'' cartouche of armory inspector Samuel W. Porter at left wrist and an encircled ''P'' on belly. Action is strong and smooth; bore is clean with distinct rifling. Est.: $500-$800. (Antique)