This is an example of one of only 753 manufactured by Springfield Armory in 1884. Invented in 1879 and selected by the Magazine Rifle Board of 1882 for trials, the rifle and its unique double-ratchet magazine, make this one of the rarest rifles manufactured by Springfield Armory. Initiated in response to developments on the European military scene, the goal of the Rifle Board over the course of the trials, the rifles were subjected to treatment ranging from heavy use to deliberate abuse, making a Chaffee-Reese in any decent condition a very rare find indeed. Bayonet lug front sight and "C-R" marked folding ladder rear sight, with "V/P/eagle head" on the left side near the breech. Casehardened frame, with "U.S. -- SPRINGFIELD. -- 1884." on top of the left receiver wall, and the magazine cutoff switch on the front right side. Mounted with a smooth straight grip stock with cleaning rod, two barrel bands, sling swivels, circled script "P" behind the trigger guard and the "SWP/1884" final inspection mark on the left side of the butt right next to the heel. Complete with an original canvas rifle sleeve.

Fine. The barrel retains 40% original blue finish mixed with smooth mottled brown patina. The receiver has a smooth mottled gray and brown patina. The trigger guard has a gray patina with a small amount of minor pitting. The stock is also fine with a crisp cartouche and an area of some gouging on the upper right side of the buttstock and overall some minor pressure dents and scratches. The markings are clear. The action is fine.