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 252 are estimated to have been this second type exhibiting features of the Model 1877 and 1879. 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. It is embellished with finely executed traditional acanthus scroll and floral engraving on the forend cap, barrel band, action, lock, trigger guard, and buttplate tang (also "US" marked). The special shorter 26 inch barrel has a folding combination bead and globe front sight in place of the military front sight, a rear sight graduated 1 to 5 on the base and 6-12 on the ladder, and "V/P/eagle head" markings near the breech. In addition, it features a folding peep sight graduated 1-10 on the left side, checkered stock stamped with a circled "P" on the underside just behind the grip checkering and "58" near the upper tang and a hickory cleaning rod with German silver tip fitted below the barrel. An accompanying letter from University of Arizona Regents Professor Emeritus C. Vance Haynes, Jr. dates the manufacture of the rifle as "either in the last three months of 1878 or the first three months of 1879." An included letter from noted gun collector and dealer Leroy Merz authenticates the rifle. Merz concludes, "Throughout my many years as a gun dealer, I have come across, seen and owned a number of 1875 Officers Models. My recollection of the ones I have owned, this one ranks right at the top in originality and condition....[T]his rifle is a very fine piece of American history and it is in absolutely wonderful condition." We could not have said it better.

Fine. The barrel retains 75% original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina. 70% original case colors remain on the action and lock plate. 95% original silver plating remains on the barrel band and buttplate. The stock is also fine with slight chipping at the upper tang, minor dings and scratches, couple scrapes and crisp checkering overall. This highly attractive and scarce Springfield Model 1875 Officer's Model trapdoor rifle will be a welcomed addition to any U.S. martial or Indian Wars collection.