This is an exceptional Example of a U.S. Model 1875 Officer's rifle that was manufactured by the Springfield Armory in 1885. This rifle has Third Type features that include: (1) slightly longer stock that extends 5/8-inch further beyond the barrel band, (2) square profile nickel-silver forend cap, (3) un-plated brass wiping rod tip and ferrule, (4) checkered half-pistol grip, (5) "SWP/1885" final inspection mark stamped on the left stock wrist and (6) encircled, script, "P" proofmark stamped behind the trigger guard finial. Springfield Armory manufactured an estimated total of 100 Third Type Model 1875 Officer's rifles in 1885. The Model 1875 Officer's Rifle was designed to provide Army officers with a high quality sporting rifle chambered for the .45-70 service cartridge. These unique rifles were manufactured in limited numbers between 1875 and 1885; total production was fewer than 500 rifles. This rifle has a blued barrel, barrel band, receiver and buttplate. The breech block, hammer, receiver tang, lock plate and trigger guard are color casehardened. The walnut stock is oil finished with checkered panels on the forearm and wrist and detachable half-pistol grip. The 26-inch round barrel has a single ramrod pipe to secure a hickory wiping rod with brass tip and ferrule. The barrel is fitted with a Beach folding globe front sight and a Model 1879 buckhorn rear sight. A folding vernier tang sight with oval base is mounted on the stock wrist. The rifle has a factory single set-trigger. The top of the barrel band, receiver, breech block, tang, hammer, cam latch, lock plate, trigger guard bow and buttplate heel are decorated with well-executed scroll engraving. The inlaid nickel-silver nose cap is lightly engraved. The top of the barrel is stamped with a "P" between the rear sight and the receiver. The left side of the barrel is stamped with "V/P/Eagle Head/P" proof and inspection marks. The top of the breech block is roll-stamped "U.S./MODEL/1878" in three-lines. The lock plate is roll-stamped with the usual Springfield Eagle motif followed by "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" in two lines in front of the hammer. "U.S." is stamped on the heel of the buttplate. The rifle is, correctly, not serial numbered.

Excellent. The rifle is all original and retains 98% of the original blue and 95% color casehardened finish. Most of the limited finish wear is confined to the buttplate. The well executed engraving is extremely crisp. The Springfield Armory markings on various components are sharp. The single set-trigger functions perfectly. The stock is in excellent condition and retains nearly all of the original finish. The checkering on the forearm, wrist and half-pistol grip is extremely sharp. The Ordnance inspection mark and date and the "P" proof mark are in nearly perfect condition. Wear is limited to a few scattered and very minor storage and handling marks. This is an excellent example of a scarce and very desirable Third Type Springfield Model 1875 Trapdoor Officer's rifle.