^Lot 4352 SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1875 TYPE II OFFICERS MODEL

TRAPDOOR RIFLE. Cal. 45-70. NSN. A total of 477 officers model rifles were produced between 1875-85. Most of these were purchased by officers w/ about 100 issued to officers in militia & guard units. The remainder were sold to commercial outlets after the adoption of the Krag rifle. Of these, approx. 251 were type II mfg. between 1877-81. Unnumbered model 1873 action has an 1873 dated low arch breech block & Springfield marked lock plate. Receiver, breech block, lock plate, hammer & trigger guard have moderate coverage of scroll hand engraving w/ straight line borders. Bbl. 26" round. Beech combination front sight, model 1879 rear sight w/ round base vernier tang sight. Single band fastened short comb stock w/ detachable wood pistol grip. Forearm wrist & detachable pistol grip have hand checkering. Stock is tipped w/ an engraved pewter cap having long floral finial. Inside of trigger guard bow has visible stamped marking. Hardwood cleaning rod w/ nickel finished brass fittings is held by a single iron pipe. WEIGHT: 8 lbs, 1 oz. CONDITION: all original rifle w/ heavy wear indicative of a colorful history. Metal has faded to a mottled gray brown showing mild corrosion. Age darkened wood has worn checkering w/ numerous gouges, dents, handling marks & wear spots. Areas around lock show small cracks. Mechanics are fine. Pitted bore retains partially visible rifling. PROVENANCE: From the estate collection of Thomas J. Mulligan. (01-23375/DS). ANTIQUE. $6000-9000.