During the post-Civil War period the U.S. Government experimented heavily with developing metallic cartridge rifles. One of the most cost effective methods was by using left over Civil War era percussion rifles and converting them into single shot metallic breech loaders. The primary conversion method was using the Allin conversion developed by Erskine Allin, master armorer at Springfield Armory. This Allin conversion went through several modifications before the "Trapdoor" series was adopted in 1868, with a final "prototype" cavalry carbine adopted as the Model 1870. These carbines were not serial numbered and only a total of 341 were ever produced, with all seeing heavy use on the Western frontier. The identifying characteristics for this model are that it had a shorter receiver (by 1 13/32 inches) than the earlier 1st and 2nd model Allin conversions, the breechblock is marked "1870 /eaglehead/crossed arrows/U.S." on top. The bottom of the breechblock has a high arch, 2-3/4 inches across its base. The 22 inch barrel was fitted with the conversion type rear sight, set adjacent to the receiver and a standard blade in block front sight. It has the correct Civil War lock plate dated "1864" with the Springfield Armory "Eagle/Shield/Crossed Arrows" next to "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" at the front and it is correctly fitted with a two-click tumbler. It has the two-piece trigger guard, sling bar and sling swivel. The buttplate is the correct smooth "U.S." marked version without the trapdoor. The stock is correct long wrist type with a short comb. It has an oval cartouche with the script initials: "ESA" stamped on the left flat. Directly under the cartouche is a small stamped partial "X I" which may indicate that this was actually a trials carbine. It has a dark blue oil quenched receiver and breechblock. The hammer and lock plate have a casehardened finish. The barrel, bands, trigger guard assembly, and buttplate have a bright finish. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Very fine with the receiver and breechblock retaining 50% of their oil quenched casehardening finish, mostly in the protected areas with the exposed portion turning a mottled gray patina finish. The barrel retains the "national armory bright" polished finish showing some minor nicks and dings overall mixed with some older darkened areas. The lock plate and hammer both retain 80% of their original finish now having darkened with age with clear distinct markings. The stock is very fine with it nice original dark brown color overall with some very minor handling marks and scratches overall with a clear, distinct "ESA" cartouche. This is really difficult to find an early carbine in extremely fine condition.