This is one of only an estimated fifteen .30 caliber Trapdoor rifles manufactured by Springfield Armory between 1890-1892 for the purpose of experimenting with various smokeless powders, testing velocities, studying ballistics, and performing pressure tests in the development of a new .30 caliber (30 Army) smokeless powder cartridge. Additional barrels for these rifles were manufactured with varying designs and steels. These rifles are extensively written up on pages 199-212 of the book "The 45-70 Springfield" by Frasca & Hill. The Chief of U.S. Ordnance directed Frankford Arsenal and Springfield Armory to work together in the development of a new rifle using a new small caliber smokeless powder cartridge. The test rifle chosen was the standard U.S. Springfield Trapdoor rifle, however the standard issue Trapdoor receiver of the time was deemed too weak to handle the higher pressures generated by smokeless powders. Springfield embarked on a massive redesign of the receiver to accommodate this development work. Testing of the smokeless .30 caliber Trapdoors started in 1890, and various ammunition and ballistics tests with at least ten of these rifles continued as late as 1895. These rifles were all considered as experimental models and went through numerous design and engineering changes to be able to accommodate the new improved high velocity smokeless powder cartridges, with each individual rifle in some instances being somewhat different. Since they were all experimental, they were never serial numbered, but instead were tracked by a small capital letter stamped on top of the rear of the barrel. The letters ran from "A through T", as mentioned in the 1894 Report of the Chief of Ordnance. This rifle is letter "E". On pg. 292 of Frasca's "The 45-70 Springfield Book II" it states (this rifle's existence was not known by the author at the time of writing), "The fate of Rifle 'E' is described in the following memo from the master armorer to the commanding officer of the Armory. Possibly this arm and other arms with similar damage were disassembled and discarded since the damage was not repairable: Commanding Officer/Sir: I have the honor to report that I have carefully examined the .30 caliber Springfield rifle received from Frankford Arsenal the 17th inst. The chamber of the barrel is swelled or enlarged 9/1000 of an inch. The hole for tenon of barrel is swell or enlarged 5/1000 of an inch, above standard plug. The receiver is cracked over the recess for ejector spring and the spread across the outside of ears for joint is 6/1000 of an inch. The barrel was marked letter 'E' August 2nd, 1892 or at the time the new receiver was put on same. Samuel W. Porter, Master Armorer." The unmarked receiver currently affixed appears to be the "new receiver"; as it does not have the aforementioned crack. The top breech end of the barrel is marked "E" and appears to be the replacement mentioned by Samuel Porter; as it does not have the damages described in his initial inspection when he first received the rifle. Features include a reinforced no-arch breechblock with the positive cam/locking latch, small tip firing pin, marked "E" on the breechblock screws, redesigned extractor intended for the new rimmed cartridge, the correct, reinforced straight sided receiver that measures 1 1/8 inch across the width of the receiver, with side walls, that measures approximately 1/4 inch thick on each side, with the matching positive cam/locking latch cutout, completely redesigned one-piece trigger guard with the long swivel on the upper front edge of the trigger guard bow, and new redesigned stock intended for the smaller diameter barrel. The bottom front end of the barrel is absent of what appears to have been a rod bayonet device. Pinned blade front and Buffington rear sight graduated to 1,400 yards. According to Frasca's book at the time of writing (not including this rifle in his count),"Nine of the original fifteen rifles are known today, four in museums and five in private collections." "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a Rock Island Arsenal leather sling, and tool inside the butt compartment. These rare rifles played an important role in the evolutionary development of the .30 caliber smokeless powder cartridge in U.S. Military service. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Fine, incomplete (see above), retaining 80% plus original blue finish with some patches of moderate to deep pitting concentrated towards the muzzle and on the barrel band. 60% plus original case colors in protected areas, with the top of the breechblock turned mostly to a smooth gray patina. Stock is very fine with some pressure dents and handling marks, a patch of dings around the left side of the handguard, and overall attractive raised wood grain. Mechanically excellent. An incredibly rare opportunity to acquire this fresh to the market and previously undiscovered .30 caliber Trapdoor experimental rifle!