^Lot 4354 SPRINGFIELD 1875 TYPE III OFFICER MODEL US

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. Only 100 Type III rifles were mfg. in 1885 only. This rifle has third type features including the flat nose cap and 1885 dated cartouche, however, it has the shorter forearm tip of the Type II. Single band fastened short comb stock has checkered forearm & wrist with a checkered detachable wood pistol grip. Left ear of stock has a partially visible 1885 dated "SWP" cartouche. 1873 dated low arch breech block. 1879 style action. Receiver forward of tang is stamped with an added date of 1881. Receiver, breech block, lock plate, hammer, trigger guard & buttplate have moderate coverage of scroll hand engraving with straight line borders. Original metal finish was blue & case colored. Set trigger Bbl. is 26" with Beech combination front sight with model 1879 rear sight having slotless screws & vernier tang sight. Hardwood ramrod with nickel finished brass hardware held by a single iron pipe. WEIGHT: 8 lbs, 3.4 oz. CONDITION: bbl. retains 30% blue blending with peppery oxidation and spots of corrosion. Action finish has faded from gray brown showing scattered oxidation. Original wood finish shows age related darkness through the wrist and forearm areas with wear spots, scratches, marks & small dents. Small cracks and chips are found around the lock plate. Cleaning rod has an area of darkening. Mechanics are fine. Bore has a lightly frosted appearance over lightly worn rifling. PROVENANCE: From the estate collection of Thomas J. Mulligan. (01-23376/DS). ANTIQUE. $7,000-10,000