This is an early production U.S. Springfield Model 1879 Trapdoor rifle manufactured in 1879. The left stock wrist Is marked with the oval script cartouche "ESA/1879" of Erskine S. Allin. Allin was the first and best known Chief Inspector at Springfield Armory from 1873 to 1893. Allin was also the inventor of the Allin system breech action and a Master Armorer at Springfield Armory. Allin died on September 11, 1879. According to the consignors research this rifle is 1 of only 3 known to exist with the "ESA/1879" cartouche on the stock. Blade front sight and ski-slope rear sight graduated to 1,200 yards and marked with an "R" on the upper left side of the ladder and left side of the base. The barrel has the standard "V/P/eagle head" inspection marks. Casehardened low arch breechblock marked "U.S./MODEL/1873" and the lock plate is marked "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" next to an eagle/shield motif ahead of the hammer. Smooth trigger, two piece trigger guard, three click tumbler and mounted with smooth straight grip stock with two barrel bands, oval "ESA/1879" cartouche on the left wrist, and a small unreadable letter and circled script "P" behind the lower tang, and smooth "US" marked buttplate, and sling swivels. The top of the comb directly ahead of the buttplate tang is stamped "21". With the correct iron cleaning rod with a small button tip and cleaning patch slot.

Fine. The rifle retains 85% plus original blue finish with scattered areas of smooth brown patina. The barrel bands are a mix of original blue finish and smooth gray patina. The breechblock retains 40% original case colors, brightest on the inside, with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The stock has been light sanded and cleaned, and remains very good with a couple minor gouges on the left side of the butt stock, and overall some minor dings and dents. The markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent. A very nice Springfield Model 1879 Trapdoor rifle with extremely rare "ESA/1879" cartouche.