One of only bolt action Chaffee-Reese rifles manufactured by Springfield Armory. This action was invented by General Reuben S. Chaffee and Jasper N. Reece in 1879 and was one of the rifles selected by the Magazine Rifle Board of 1882 for field trials. The magazine feed mechanism, a tube loaded through a trapdoor in the butt, employed a double ratchet which moved a cartridge forward one space each time the bolt was cycled. A cutoff switch on the right side of the receiver allowed for single shots while keeping the magazine fully loaded. The system was not popular with the troops in the field and only the initial order was made, making this one of the rarest issue weapons manufactured by Springfield Armory. The barrel has the standard Springfield proof and inspection marks behind the rear sight on the barrel. The left side of the breech is marked " US -- SPRINGFIELD -- 1884". The sliding leaf rear sight is marked "C-R" on the left side. The script cartouche on the left rear of the stock is faded and unreadable. An encircled script " P" proof mark is stamped behind the trigger guard finial.

Fair. Approximately 20% of the blue finish remains on the barrel and receiver with scattered light pitting. The buttplate and triggerguard are a dark mottled patina. The cut down stock is fair with numerous gouges, dents and scratches associated with heavy field use, however remains solid. With the exception of the above mentioned, all markings are legible. Mechanically sound.