Known as the U.S. Springfield Lee Model 1875 this Lee Vertical Action Rifle was designed by James P. Lee, one of the great weapons designers of the era. It is one of 143 Model 1875s that were manufactured at the Springfield Armory under a Congressional appropriation of $10,000 for testing. According to firearms expert and author Gene Myszkowski, this rifle is number 72 of 143 manufactured Springfield Lee Model 1875 Rifles (the number "72" is stamped on two places of the breechblock assembly). The Model 1875 had an action based upon a modified Martini or Peabody dropping block action. Pulling the hammer back locks and cocks the action. When the hammer is pushed forward the breechblock drops to eject the fired cartridge and allow for reloading. This rifle has a front sight which acts as the lug for a standard socket bayonet and a rear sight which has a base graduated from 1 to 4 and a leaf graduated to 1,100 yards. The upper tang is stamped "U.S." above "PAT MAR 16, 1875". The breech end of the barrel is stamped with the letter "T" and the number "2". Two "U" marked barrel bands with the front band having stacking sling swivels. Fitted with a one-piece trigger guard with a sling swivel mounted to the front. Mounted on a smooth straight grip stock stamped with a clear script "EJA" inspector cartouche for Master Armourer Erskine S. Allin on the left side ahead of the wrist and a circled script "P" stamped behind the trigger guard. The buttplate is stamped "US" on the tang. The rifle has a leather sling and "US" marked socket bayonet with scabbard. This rifle is identified and pictured in the accompanying Gene Myszkowski's article Model 1875 Springfield Lee Vertical Action featured in the February 2006 Man at Arms. The article is signed by Myszkowski. This rifle was test fired by Myszkowski for the Man at Arms article. Included with the rifle are copies of French and Dutch patent documents along with patent drawings of the receiver.