This is an outstanding example of an exceptional U.S. Army contract Springfield Model 1870 Rolling Block Trials Rifle manufactured in 1870. There were a total of 1,008 of this model manufactured as trials rifles. These can be distinguished by the longer barrel, 1870 date on the receiver, the low spur hammer and it does not have the half-cock mechanism. The right side of the receiver is stamped with the U.S. "Eagle/Shield" motif over "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/1870". The upper tang has the two line Remington patent date (1864 and 1868). It has two barrel bands correctly marked with letter "U" and no stud for a bayonet. It has a blue folding rear sight that is graduated "2-9" on the back side of the face. Mounted with a full length walnut forearm and stock. The left side of the stock has a small oval, "ESA" inspector cartouche with a "US" stamped buttplate. These rifles have the armory bright barrel, barrel bands, breech block and hammer with a color case hardened receiver.

Excellent plus with nearly all the armory bright finish with 97% of the original case colors overall. The buttstock and forearm are both excellent with scattered storage dings and scratches. The markings are clear and sharp and so is the cartouche. An exceptional, high condition 1870 trials rifle. Consignor states that it was formerly in the Burt Kellerstedt Collection.