Only 477 of Officer's Model rifles were manufactured by the Springfield Armory between 1875 and 1885 to fulfill the request by U.S. Army officers for suitable sporting rifles for use in hunting and target shooting. Of those, only 100 are estimated to have been this third and scarcest type with "SWP/1885" cartouches on the left stock flats. These are easily among the most desirable of all the rifles manufactured by the Springfield Armory considering they are higher quality than standard martial weapons, and were specifically produced for military officers. They are not serial numbered, but the rifle is marked with an "X" and "D" inside the trigger guard bow. Many of the rifle's components are standard for a Model 1879 trapdoor rifle. However, it is embellished with traditional acanthus scroll and floral engraving on the various components aside from the barrel and features a shorter 26 inch barrel, folding combination bead and globe front sight in place of the military front sight, a Model 1879 style rear sight graduated 1-5 and marked "R" on the left side of the "ski-jump" base and graduated 6-12 and marked "R" on the ladder, a peep sight mounted on the upper wrist, single set trigger, shorter sporting stock with checkered forend and wrist and a detachable checkered pistol grip extension, the cartouche noted above, nickeled forend cap with squared front profile, and a traditional style cleaning rod mounted below the barrel and equipped with a brass tip. It has the standard arsenal markings on the barrel, breechblock, lock, stock, and buttplate.

Very good with 25% original blue finish concentrated in the protected areas and sides of the receiver, mostly brown patina on the balance, some mild oxidation concentrated on the lock and breechblock, distinct engraving and markings on the metal, and moderate overall wear. The stock is also good with heavily worn checkering on the wrist and grip extension, smoothed checkering in the grasping area on the forend, numerous light dings and scratches consistent with use, chipping around the grip extension screw, some minor cracks at the heel, and partially faded but legible cartouche. Mechanically fine. This is a scarce Springfield trapdoor variation that is missing from most collections.