This is an example of one of the only 753 bolt action Chaffee-Reese rifles manufactured by Springfield Armory in 1884. The 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 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 circled "P" proofmark behind the trigger guard finial. Complete with an original button head cleaning rod.

Very good plus. The barrel has a smooth mottled brownish gray patina. The remaining metal surfaces have a bit darker smooth mottled patina with traces of faded original case colors in the protected areas. The lightly sanded reoiled wood is very good with an old repair on the wrist, a small gap between the rear of the lower tang and wood and overall some scattered minor dents and dings. The action needs minor work, it does not retract firing pin. The markings are clear.