Manufactured c. 1874. Fixed blade front sight and stepped base 1,100 yard folding ladder rear sight mounted with slotless screws. The left rear of the barrel is correctly absent of any proof marks. (This practice started on the Model 1873 at approximately serial number 50,000). Early oil quenched casehardened high arch breechblock marked "MODEL/1873/eagle head/crossed arrows/US", lock marked with the eagle/shield motif followed by "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/1873" ahead of the hammer, fixed stacking hook on the front band (only one like it this writer has witnessed), two click tumbler and iron cleaning rod with a serrated slotted head and swollen shaft. Oval "ESA" (Erskine S. Allin) cartouche on the left wrist. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes "US" marked (faint) leather sling and wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Exceptionally fine, retaining 85% original blue finish with some light muzzle wear, some patches of light spotting, and the front band turned mostly to a silver patina. Stock is very fine with some chipping visible in the ramrod channel and an exceptionally crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. An exceptional example of an early 1873 Trapdoor!