This is one of only 753 bolt action Chaffee-Reese rifles manufactured by Springfield Armory in 1884. This action was invented by General Reuben S. Chaffee and Jasper N. Reese in 1879 and was one of the rifles selected by the Magazine Rifle Board of 1882 for field trials. The innovative magazine consisted of a loading tube through the center of the buttstock that was loaded through the trapdoor in the buttplate. This tube employed a double ratchet mechanism that moved the cartridges forward each time the bolt was cycled. A cutoff switch on the right side of the receiver allowed soldiers to use it as a single shot and keep the magazine fully loaded in case the need for rapid firing arose. Only the initial order of 753 weapons were produced making this one of the rarest rifles manufactured by Springfield Armory. The barrel has the standard Springfield "V/P/eagle head" proof and inspection marks on the left rear of the barrel. The top left edge of the receiver is marked "U.S. -- SPRINGFIELD. -- 1884". The left side of the rear sight base is graduated "1-6" (100-600 yards) and marked "C-R". The face of the ladder is graduated "6-14" (600-1400) yards and is drift adjustable for windage. It is fitted with a nearly full length walnut stock. The left rear side of the buttstock has a boxed "SWP/1884" cartouche, and a circled script "P" proof is stamped behind the trigger plate. It is complete with the original button head cleaning rod.

Very fine with 75% of the original blue on the barrel and 60% of the original oil quenched casehardening on the receiver. Displaying some light spotting, and some mild pitting under the blue, general handling marks, and light spotting and pitting on the receiver. The wood is also very fine with sharp cartouche, clear markings, a few small indentations, and general handling marks. Mechanically excellent.