^Lot 47 Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor Infantry Rifle

U.S. Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor Infantry Rifle, with 1877 improvements and leather sling, #455746, .45-70 Gov't CF cal., 32-5/8'' round barrel with block-blade front sight and Buffington rear sight (correctly marked ''R'' for Rifle) marked ''V/P/(eaglehead)/P'' and ''A'' at breech; trapdoor breechblock is correctly marked ''U.S./Model/1873'' in three lines at hinge; flush-mounted lockplate with a spread-wing eagle clutching olive branches and ''US/Springfield'' ahead of hammer; correct two-piece triggerguard with sling swivel at front; steel furniture including two spring-retained barrel bands (top band with stacking swivel), buttplate marked ''US'' at tang screw, one-piece ramrod with button tip; period-correct checkered iron pistol grip added behind triggerguard tang. Oil-stained walnut fullstock with ''SWP/1889'' (armory inspector Samuel W. Porter) rectangular cartouche on left side, encircled ''P'' proof and ''B'' behind pistol grip. Mfg'd ca. 1889-93. Condition is fine and all original, with sharp edges and markings, the barrel retaining a smooth deep military blue finish with cleaned erosion at top of muzzle; the lockplate, triggerguard, nose cap, barrel bands and springs with deep glossy blue, breechblock and tang showing lovely case colors, buttplate showing blue amid light scattered discoloration, pistol-grip gunmetal gray. Stock is solid and smooth with sharp edges, only minor marks, fits ''proud'' and has the correct reddish color. Action is strong and smooth; bore is bright with deep rifling. Russet leather sling is a well-made modern reproduction. Est.: $600-$900. (Antique)