This exact rifle is photographed and mentioned by serial number on pg. 94 of "The 45-70 Springfield" by Albert J. Frasca. The caption states, "Long range rifle #162,045 made with detachable pistol grip. A total of 24 long range rifles were made with Sharps vernier tang and spirit level sights." The detachable pistol grip is not with the rifle currently. These 24 rifles are not fitted with a standard rear sight and have no holes drilled, fall in the 162000-162500 serial range, have six-groove rifling, and a buttplate identical to a Hotchkiss rifle. A boxed script "SWP/1881" cartouche is marked on the left wrist. The left rear of the barrel is marked with "V/P/eagle head/P" proofs, and the top of the barrel at the breech with the letters "H/R". The breechblock is marked "U.S./MODEL/1873" and the lock plate is marked with the eagle/shield motif and "U.S./SPRINGFIELD". Three-click tumbler and smooth trigger. Blue finish with casehardened breechblock and barrel tang and oil finished walnut stock. A circled "P" proof is marked behind the trigger guard. The buttplate has no "US" marking on the tang as normally found on standard issue Trapdoor rifles. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes wood tampion and Rock Island Arsenal leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection