This is an excellent example of a U.S. Springfield Lee rifle that originally was invented by James Paris Lee, who was one of the more prolific firearms inventors during this time. A total of only 143 of these vertical action rifles were manufactured under his supervision at the Springfield Armory in 1875 before the small amount of money appropriated for them ran out. This rifle features a Martini type dropping block action with centrally mounted spur hammer. The breech closes automatically on insertion of the round in the chamber. The rifle is chambered for the .45/70 cartridge and has a 32 5/8-inch round barrel with a Model 1873 Springfield Rifle rear sight and a small blade front sight. The right side of the rear sight base is marked with the graduation markings "1", "2", "3" and "4". The rifle is fitted with a Model 1873 ramrod with slotted knurled head. The one-piece trigger guard has a sling swivel fitted to the front. The receiver tang is marked "U.S." followed by "PAT. MAR.16.1875". Mounted with a smooth full black walnut stock with an oil finish and iron carbine buttplate marked "US" on the tang. There is a stacking sling swivel on the front barrel band. The left side of the stock just ahead of the wrist is marked with a clear "ESA" oval cartouche. There is a small "D" stamped behind the lower tang followed by a circled script "P". The Model 1875 Lee Vertical Action Rifle is an extremely rare U.S. martial arm found only in the most advanced collections.

Very fine. The rifle retains 85% plus original blue finish with some thinning and wear on the muzzle end of the barrel and on the barrel bands. The trigger guard and buttplate also shows some thinning, and there is some minor edge wear on the receiver. The stock is excellent with some scattered minor dings and dents. The cartouche and inspection stamps are sharp and clear. The action is excellent. This would be a stand-out piece in any advanced U.S. martial arms collection.