This is a very fine example of a rare Type II U.S. Springfield Model 1875 Trapdoor Officer's Model rifle. Only a reported 477 total Officer's Model rifles of three types were manufactured by the Springfield Armory between 1875 and 1885 to fulfill the request by U.S. Army officers for suitable sporting rifles for use in hunting and target shooting. Of those, 252 are estimated to have been this Type II configuration, manufactured c. 1877-1881, showing features of the Model 1877 and 1879 rifles. The Officer's Models are easily among the most desirable of all the rifles manufactured by the Springfield Armory thanks to their rarity, quality, and connection to military officers. They are not serial numbered, but this rifle is marked "25" on the inside of the trigger guard bow and "51" on top of the stock behind the breech tang. In function, the rifle is a standard trapdoor rifle with a low-arch breech block. However, it is embellished with traditional acanthus scroll engraving on the forend cap, barrel band, receiver, breech block, lock, hammer, trigger guard and buttplate. The lock has the standard markings including a federal eagle with shield behind "U.S./SPRINGFIELD", the breech block is marked "U.S./MODEL/1873", standard "V/P/eagle head" proofs on the upper left of the barrel at the breech, a circled script "P" proofmark behind the checkered panel on the underside of the stock, "US" on the buttplate tang, shorter 26 inch barrel fitted with a folding combination blade and globe Beach front sight, Model 1879 buckhorn rear sight graduated 1-5 on the left side of the stepped base and 6-12 on the ladder, Springfield tang mounted peep sight, traditional style wood cleaning rod with nickeled and knurled tip mounted below the barrel, single set trigger, walnut sporting stock with checkered forend and wrist, and a detachable checkered walnut pistol grip.

Very fine, retains 70% original blue finish on the barrel with some areas thinning to a smooth brown and some scattered light scratches, muted patterns of original case colors visible on the casehardened surfaces, with some scattered light surface freckling, and sharp well-executed scroll engraving overall. The stock is also very fine with rich original oil finish, some light dents, scratches, nicks, distinct edges and defined checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. This rare U.S. Springfield Officer's Model 1875 rifle would make a fine addition to any U.S. military or antique American arms collection.