^Lot 41 Indian Wars Springfield M1884 Trapdoor Cadet Rifle

Indian Wars Era U.S. Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor Cadet Rifle, First Type, #402862, .45-70 Gov't. cal., 29.5'' barrel is marked ''V/P/(eaglehead)/P'' and ''A'' at breech and fitted with a block-blade front sight (also serves as a bayonet lug) and Buffington adjustable rear sight (correctly marked ''R'' for Rifle); 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, buttplate marked ''US'' on top tang, nose cap, slotted button-head cleaning rod; one-piece oil-finished walnut fullstock. This First Type Cadet Rifle was mfg'd in 1887, in a quantity of only 2,000 guns. Condition is very good, the barrel a brownish-blue patina having scattered light dings on top between bands, balance of the metal gunmetal gray showing traces of case hardening, the buttplate with deep erosion; all markings are sharp including a large ''33'' deeply struck at breech. Stock is smooth and solid with a light but legible ''SWP/1887'' cartouche of armory inspector Samuel W. Porter at left wrist. Action is strong and smooth; bore is clean with distinct rifling. Est.: $600-$900. (Antique)