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  • Auction Catalog #4092
  • Lot #151
Lot #150
Lot #152

Lot 151: U.S. Springfield 1875 Lee Vertical Single Shot Trials Rifle

Rare U.S. Springfield Model 1875 Lee Vertical Action Single Shot Trials Rifle

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: August 23, 2024

Lot 151: U.S. Springfield 1875 Lee Vertical Single Shot Trials Rifle

Rare U.S. Springfield Model 1875 Lee Vertical Action Single Shot Trials Rifle

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: August 23, 2024

Estimated Price: $3,500 - $5,500
Price Realized:
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Rare U.S. Springfield Model 1875 Lee Vertical Action Single Shot Trials Rifle

Manufacturer: Springfield Armory U.S.
Model: 1875 Lee
Type: Rifle
Gauge: 45-70 Government
Barrel: 32 5/8 inch round
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 1593
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 183
Class: Antique
Description:

These rare Model 1875 rifles were manufactured by Springfield Armory under the supervision of inventor James Paris Lee. On June 23, 1874, Congress approved "For the purpose of testing Mr. Lee's breech loading gun under the direction of the Secretary of War the sum of ten thousand dollars is hereby appropriated." After one year, 143 rifles were completed using the appropriated $10,000, working out to a cost of approximately $69.93 per rifle. The Model 1875 Lee drew inspiration from the Martini and Peabody series of single shot falling block rifles. The biggest change introduced by Lee was the use of a combination hammer and breech lever; from a decocked position, a push forward on the hammer drops the breech block and ejects a spent cartridge case, and when a new round is chambered the breech block automatically pops back upwards to a closed position via spring pressure. Once closed, the hammer can be thumbed back to a locked half-cock position for carry or all the way back to full-cock ready for firing. These rifles were reportedly capable of a rate of fire of about 40 rounds per minute. Blade front sight doubling as a lug for a socket bayonet and 1,100 yard Model 1873 folding ladder rear sight. Serial number "18" marked on the right of the hammer and underneath the breech block (requires disassembly to view). The upper tang is stamped "U.S." above "PAT. MAR. 16. 1875." It has two "U" marked barrel bands. The front band has stacking sling swivels, and the trigger guard has a single swivel through the front. The smooth straight grip stock is stamped with Master Armorer Erskine S. Allin's oval script "ESA" inspection cartouche ahead of the left stock wrist and a small "U" inspection letter ahead of the circled script "P" proof stamped behind the trigger guard. "US" marked buttplate tang.

Rating Definition:

Very fine, retains 75% original blue finish with smooth brown and gray patinas on the balance. The revarnished stock is fine with defined edges, scattered scratches and handling marks, a hairline stress crack visible on the left of the wrist, and a clear cartouche. Mechanically excellent.



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