^Lot 1367 EXTREMELY SCARCE & FINE U.S. MARKED STEVENS

SPRINGFIELD 87M SEMI-AUTOMATIC RIFLE. Cal. 22 S, L, LR. S# NSN. Bbl. 24". 1 of only approx. 300 Springfield 87M semi-automatic rifles mfg. by J. Stevens Arms circa. 1940. Research indicates that none of the Springfield 87M rifles acquired by the U.S. military were purchased directly from Stevens, with a letter (not accompanying this rifle) from Savage Arms stating: "Some apparently were purchased by the military but no records show that it was directly from the company". This example is marked with the cal. designation on the left side of the bbl., with "2094577/ 2223093", "PATENTS", and "2224758/ 2271576" marked on the right (markings present beneath handguard). Top of the receiver is marked with a U.S. flaming ordnance bomb proof over the chamber, followed by "SPRINGFIELD MODEL 87M/ J. STEVENS ARMS CO. CHICOPEE FALLS, MASS. U.S.A.", with a small sunburst stamp marked on the left side of the chamber area. Metal components exhibit a blue finish overall, save for on the bolt body, which is in-the-white. 1-piece plain wood pistol grip stock and plain wood M1903 style handguard (stock configuration closely resembling that of the M1 Garand), with black synthetic trigger guard and checkered steel buttplate. Interior of buttplate is stamped with an apparent "I" or "1". Left side of the butt is marked "U.S. (U.S. FLAMING ORDNANCE BOMB)" above a U.S. cross cannons escutcheon. Interior of handguard is marked "372", with "97" marked on the top right flat of the stock channel. Blade front sight (with 1-piece stamped steel protector "ears") with sliding base aperture rear sight. Toeline of stock, as well as the front and rear bbl. bands feature sling swivels. Top of rear bbl. band is marked with an apparent broad arrow proof above "S.126". Stock is currently fitted with an OD canvas web sling. CONDITION: extremely fine, with metal components retaining virtually all of their original factory blue finish, showing some light superficial handling marks and a few scattered spots of light surface oxidation overall. Front sight protector "ears" exhibit some light edge wear and minor thinning, with a spot of light pitting present on the left side. Mirror bore, retaining strong (albeit seemingly shallow factory cut) rifling throughout. Proper manual mechanics. Wood furniture shows some scattered superficial marks and impressions, but otherwise remains sound and presents nicely. Metal fittings on sling exhibit scattered spots of light to mild surface oxidation. A fine example of an exceedingly scarce Stevens Springfield 87M semi-automatic rifle. PROVENANCE: From the Buckstix Collection. (25-6376/MLW). CURIO. $1,200-1,800.