Premiere Collector's Firearms Auction - September 9, 10 & 11, 2011
September 9, 10 & 11, 2011
Premiere Collector's Firearms Auction
| Lot #: 739 | Estimated Price: $2,500 - $3,750 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rare U.S. Springfield Model 1886 Experimental Cavalry Trapdoor Carbine | |||
 Click on the image(s) above to view a larger version | |||
| Got one to sell | |||
| LOT SOLD | |||
| Serial #: | 336978 | Manufacturer: | Springfield Armory U.S. |
| Model: | 1886 | Type: | Carbine |
| Gauge: | 45-70 | Catalog Page: | 154 |
| Barrel Length: | 24 inch round | Finish: | blue |
| Grip: | N/A | Stock: | walnut |
| Class: | Antique | ||
| Condition Rating: | |||
| Description: | This is an example of a rare and desirable, one of the 1000 experimental Model 1886 Carbines manufactured by Springfield Armory for cavalry troop trials. These carbines feature a longer, 24 inch barrel and full length walnut stock, and are generally found in the 325000 to 400000 range. The stock is fitted with a sling swivel near the butt, a curved swivel mounted on the front barrel band, which was designed to fit closely to the forearm when the carbine was placed in a saddle boot, and the standard carbine sling bar and ring on the left wrist. The buttplate is marked "US" on the tang and has the same trap as the carbine and the stock has a storage compartment for a three-piece cleaning rod and ruptured case extractor (not included). The carbine has a special Buffington rear sight calibrated to 2000 yards and correctly marked "XC" on the upper right side of the leaf. The lock plate is marked with the Eagle and Shield in front of the hammer followed by "U.S./ SPRINGFIELD / 1873". The top of the low arch breechblock is marked: "U.S. / MODEL / 1873" and the left side of the barrel is stamped with "V / P / Eagle Head /P" proof and inspection marks. There is a very faint boxed cartouche visible on the left stock wrist. Casehardened receiver and blue remaining parts. Almost all of the production (in varied quantities) were issued to all active service cavalry regiments in the American West. | ||
| Condition: | Arsenal refurbished. The barrel retains 70% blue, with the balance covered with surface rust and a light gray patina forming on the muzzle. The breechblock and tang have darkened, with some traces of bright color. The stock has been freshened with a coat of varnish some time ago and remains very good, with a moderate run on the upper left wrist, scattered dark areas, some mild pressure dents, a few small chips around the butt and light scratching. Mechanically excellent. A fine representative example of a rare variation of U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Carbines. | ||
