This unique, special order Springfield Model 1869 rifle was manufactured in 1871 for Mr. J. A. J. Creswell, the Post Master General. Accompanying the rifle is a copy of a letter from the Springfield Research Service dated December 7, 1985 verifying that the rifle was made especially for Mr. J. A. J. Creswell, Post Master General of the United States. The letter explains where the information was obtained from at the Research Service and provides a typed verbatim transcription of the request for the preparation of the special Springfield breech loading Musket for the Post Master General directing where it was to be sent and that: "The musket is to be of the same length, and to have the same stock (which is to be varnished) as the Cadet Musket, Model of 1866. The arm is to be fine sighted and provided with a set trigger; the barrel to be browned; and the name - "J. A.J. Creswell" - to be stamped on the tang of the buttplate, as the Cadet Muskets are now marked." The latter making reference to the location that Cadets names were marked on the buttplate tangs. The request came from A. B. Dyer Chief of Ordnance. John Andrew Jackson Creswell was a U.S. Congressman from Maryland 1863-1865, a U.S. Senator from Maryland 1865-1867 and held the cabinet appointed position (President Grant) of Postmaster General from 1869-1874, when he resigned. He was counsel of the United States before the Alabama Claims Commission 1874 to 1876, resumed his law practice and was the president of two banks before passing away on December 23, 1891. Also with the rifle are various copies of information on Mr. Creswell, including a short biography, a photo copy of Mr. Creswell's Postmaster General certificate and a copy of U.S. Martial Arms Collector and Springfield Research Newsletter, Number 69, July 1994 which has three pictures of this rifle on the cover including the buttplate tang inscription. The rifle is fitted with the standard square base front sight and folding leaf rear sight graduated to 900 yards. The lock is marked "1863" behind the hammer and eagle shield and "U.S. / SPRINGFIELD" in front of the hammer. The high arch breechblock is marked "1870 / eagle head / crossed arrows / U.S." The matching serial number is marked on the left side of the barrel and receiver at the breech. It has the correct iron ramrod with the slotted head and adjustable set trigger as requested. Mounted with a varnished one piece full stock with "ESA" cartouche in an oval on the left flat. The buttplate tang is marked with the standard "US" ahead of the screw and is inscribed "J A J Creswell / Eckton Md."

Very fine. The barrel retains 75-80% of the original brown finish with wear on the muzzle and a few minor dings in the area of the barrel bands. The hammer has a smooth brown and the trigger guard has a smooth gray patina. The remaining surfaces have faded to a smooth gray showing some of the original casehardening pattern. There are a couple of small areas of pin prick type pitting on the lock behind the hammer. With the exception of a large scratch on the right rear of the buttstock and some tiny chips near the tang and trigger guard, the wood is very good. The right side of the stock has been freshened some time ago and some has given way to the original, slightly dull varnish, otherwise almost all of the original varnish remains and there are a few overall scattered minor dings and handling marks. The cartouche is sharp and clear. The markings are all sharp and clear. The mechanics are excellent. A very nice Model 1869 Springfield Trapdoor rifle well with documented history and inscription. This is a truly unique and extremely rare example of a one-of-a-kind Springfield Armory longarm.