One of only 753 bolt action Chaffee-Reese rifles manufactured by Springfield Armory in 1884. This action was invented by General Reuben S. Chaffee and Jasper N. Reece in 1879 and was one of the rifles selected by the Magazine Rifle Board of 1882 for field trials. The magazine feed mechanism, a tube loaded through a trapdoor in the butt, employed a double ratchet which moved a cartridge forward one space each time the bolt was cycled. A cutoff switch on the right side of the receiver allows for single shots while keeping the magazine fully loaded. The system was not popular with the troops in the field and only the initial order was made, making this one of the rarest issue weapons manufactured by Springfield Armory. The barrel has the standard Springfield "V / P / eagle head" proof and inspection marks on the left rear and the letter "R" on top at the breech. The top of the left side receiver wall is marked "US -- SPRINGFIELD -- 1884". The sliding leaf rear sight is marked "C-R" on the left side as well as graduated markings of 1 to 6, the sight itself is graduated to 1,400 yards. Mounted with a full one piece straight grip stock with a boxed script "SWP / 1884" cartouche on the left rear and a circled script "P" proofmark behind the trigger guard finial. There is a black number "3" stenciled on the left rear of the buttstock. Complete with an original button head cleaning rod.

Excellent. The barrel and receiver retains 95% plus original bright blue with only a hint of a smooth plum patina. The trigger guard shows 85% of the original casehardening pattern with scattered original case colors. The stock is excellent with some scattered overall minor pressure dents and scratches. The cartouche and inspection marks are crisp and clear. Markings are sharp and clear. Mechanically excellent. A outstanding example of a exceptionally rare Chaffee-Reese magazine rifle and would be difficult to improve upon.