Offered here is an extreme rarity in Wild West firearm collecting. In fact, it is believed that this is one of only four Spangenberg & Co. trapdoor rifles built circa 1880-1881 that remain in existence. George F. Spangenberg arrived in Tombstone in 1880 and opened a gunsmith and locksmith shop. Selling new and used firearms, cutlery and sewing machines, Spangenberg's shop attracted an array of Tombstone's most famous and infamous citizens. His shop was located on 4th Street adjacent to the OK Corral on Fremont Street where the legendary gunfight between the Earp brothers, Wyatt, Virgil and Morgan, and Doc Holliday and the Clanton brothers, Billy Clairborne and the McLaury brothers occurred on October 26, 1881. A bit of a feud had developed between the loosely considered lawmen and the gang of outlaws who were members of a gang in the Tombstone area known as "The Cowboys". As the story goes, the Earps and Doc Holliday were going to the OK Corral to disarm the gang who were carrying guns, which was against the law in Tombstone at the time. The Earps and Doc Holliday confronted the gang near the OK Corral on Fremont Street by Fly's Photography Gallery and the Harwood House, and the rest is history. At the time of the shootout there were a couple of gun stores in Tombstone. One was owned by Samuel L. Hart, which was on Fremont Street across from the OK Corral, and the other was owned by George Spangenberg. Prior to the gunfight, Earp ran into his future assailants buying cartridges at Spangenberg's. Purportedly, Spangenberg's also sold the Earp brothers the ammunition they used in the gunfight. Spangenberg built this rifle using a Springfield Model 1868 action, a full octagon barrel, double set triggers, a Sharps Borchardt Model 1878 rear sight, a dovetailed German silver blade front sight and a multi-point checkered round knob pistol grip half stock. The caliber marking ("45") is stamped on the upper left barrel flat at the breech. The lock plate is marked "SPANGENBERG & CO./TOMBSTONE." The number "9" is marked on the receiver at the front. The fancy grain stock has a coin silver forend cap and checkered iron buttplate. The barrel is secured to the stock by a single barrel key with oval escutcheons. The high quality of this rifle points original ownership to a wealthy member of Tombstone society. Consignor research is included. Provenance: It is believed that this rifle was sold by noted antique arms dealer and collector Ron Peterson to famed Colt and Western arms collector Charlie Schreiner III.

Fine. The barrel has faded to a crisp smooth plum patina. The hammer, lock plate and trigger guard retain 30% original blue finish; otherwise, the metal surfaces have a mottled gray patina, which is darker on the buttplate. There is some mild pitting. The stock is exceptionally fine with a couple of minor gouges, some minor pressure dents and scratches and some wear in the checkering. Mechanically excellent. A great rarity and a physical reminder of the famed gunfight at the OK Corral for the serious Wild West collector. If you're looking for Old West history, here it is! Don't let this one get away!