This is an extraordinary example of a Third Type U.S. Springfield Armory Model 1875 Officer's Rifle that was manufactured in 1885. Springfield Armory manufactured 100 Model 1875 Officer's Rifles in 1885, the last year of production for this scarce and very desirable rifle. The rifle has the Third Type features which include: (1) "SWP/1885" Ordnance inspection mark on the left stock wrist, (2) 5/8-inch longer forearm, (3) square profile forearm cap and (4) oval base vernier tang sight. In addition, the rifle has the detachable, checkered, half-pistol grip fitted on Officer's Rifles manufactured between 1877 and 1885. The rifle has a blued barrel, barrel band, receiver and buttplate. The low arch breech block, tang, hammer, lock plate and trigger guard are color case-hardened. The stock and pistol grip are oil finished walnut with checkered panels on the wrist, forearm and sides of the pistol grip. The barrel has a single cleaning rod pipe and is fitted with a Beach folding combination front sight and Model 1879 buckhorn rifle rear sight. A late production, oval base, vernier rear sight is mounted on the stock wrist. The rifle has a hickory ramrod with nickel-plated front and rear tips secured to the barrel by a stud below the muzzle and the ramrod pipe. The rifle has the single set-trigger fitted on Model 1875 Officer's rifles. The trigger is grooved and knurled. The stock forearm has a square profile, engraved, German silver nose-cap. The top of the barrel band and receiver, breech block, cam latch, receiver tang, hammer, lock plate, trigger guard and buttplate are decorated with well executed open scroll engraving. The left side of the barrel is stamped with the standard Springfield "V/P/Eagle Head/P" proof and inspection marks. The top of the breechblock is roll-stamped "U.S./MODEL/1873" in three lines. The receiver is, correctly, not serial numbered. The lock plate is roll-stamped with the Springfield Eagle and Shield motif and "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" ahead of the hammer. "U.S." is roll-stamped on the top of the buttplate heel. The right side of the barrel band has the standard "U" marking facing the muzzle. An encircled, script "P" proof mark is stamped on the underside of the stock behind the wrist checkering. An assembly number "57" is stamped on the inside of the trigger guard bow. The Model 1875 Trapdoor Officer's Rifle was manufactured by Springfield Armory to provide Army officers with a high quality rifle for personal sporting use chambered for the .45-70 service cartridge. Total production of the three variations of the Officer's Rifle was 477 rifles between 1875 and 1885.

Excellent plus. The rifle is all original and retains at least 98% plus of the original blue and vivid color case-hardened finish. The rifle shows minimal wear and is probably an un-sold example that was sold as excess by Springfield Armory. The barrel, receiver and barrel band retain nearly all of the commercial quality blue finish. The buttplate has the usual scuff marks on the heel and toe but retains 90% of the blue finish. The case-hardened components have 99% of the case colors present and the case colors are strong. The bore is mirror bright. The stock is in excellent plus condition and retains nearly all of the low-luster oil finish. The checkered panels on the wrist, forearm and pistol grip are extremely sharp and show no handling wear. The "SWP" Ordnance inspection mark, "1885" date and encircled "P" proof mark are crisp. This is an outstanding example of a very scarce and highly desirable Third Type Springfield Model 1875 Officer's Rifle. This would be the standout piece in the most advanced U.S. martial arms collection.