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. These 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. This example appears to have features that mostly align with the "Type I" variant, although with a different earlier type hammer, and was possibly special ordered this way. In function, the rifle is a standard Model 1873 trapdoor rifle with a high-arch breechblock. However, it is embellished with traditional acanthus scroll engraving on the forend cap, receiver, breechblock, lock, trigger guard, and buttplate. The lock has the standard U.S. Springfield markings including a federal eagle with shield behind "U.S./SPRINGFIELD", the breech block is marked "U.S./MODEL/1873", the left breech of the barrel has "V/P/eagle head" proofs, a circled script "P" proof stamp on the bottom of the stock behind the checkering, and "US" on the buttplate tang. It features a 26 inch barrel fitted with a folding combination blade and globe Beach front sight, Model 1873 pattern rear sight graduated from 50 up to 4 on the stepped base and 6 to 12 on the ladder, and the rare round base variant Springfield rear peep sight mounted on top of the wrist, a single set trigger, walnut sporting stock with checkered forend and wrist, and a traditional style wood cleaning rod with a brass tip.

Fine, retains 50% original blue finish on the barrel with smooth brown and gray patina on the balance, some scattered patches of light pitting/oxidation, casehardened surfaces turned to mostly a smooth gray patina with strong traces of case colors visible in protected areas, and sharp well-executed scroll engraving overall. The stock is very fine with rich original oil finish, some light dents, scratches, nicks, a scuff on top of the comb from the rear peep sight, distinct edges and defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. This desirable U.S. Springfield Officer's Model 1875 rifle would make a fine addition to any U.S. military or antique American arms collection.