Manufactured in 1877 and 1878, this model was also known as the Transitional 1873/1879 with a total production of only approximately 25,500. The lock is marked with the eagle/shield motif followed by "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" ahead of the hammer and the top of the low arch breechblock is marked "U.S./MODEL/1873". The left rear of the barrel is marked with the "V/P/eagle head/P" proofmarks. The barrel is fitted with a bayonet lug blade front sight and Model 1879 adjustable rear sight with ski slope base mounted with slotless screws. The left side of the base is graduated 1-5 and marked "R", and the ladder is graduated to 11. Three click tumbler, sling swivel mounted on the front of the two-piece trigger guard and forward barrel band, and mounted with a smooth full length walnut straight grip stock with a metal forend cap and "US" marked carbine style iron buttplate. The left wrist is marked with an oval "ESA/1877" cartouche. Comes with an iron cleaning rod with a small button head, cleaning patch slot and swollen shaft.

Very good. The metal surfaces have a smooth mottled brown patina with a small amount of light spotting on the breech end of the barrel. The stock is good with the remnants of a white stenciled "51" on the left side of the buttstock, chipping and splintering along the edge of the buttplate, and overall minor dings, dents and scratches. The cartouche is legible. The markings are clear. The action is fine.