Page 174 - 83-BOOK1

LOT 1220
Exceptional and Very Scarce Indian War Era U.S. Springfield Model 1870 Saddle Ring Carbine - NSN, 50-70 U.S. Govt cal., 32 1/2 inch round bbl., bright/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Only 341 of these
Model 1870 carbines were manufactured in 1871. At the time, the U.S. Government was entering the Indian War period so it is amazing any of these carbines survived at all. The defining characteristics of this model include a high arch underneath the breech block measuring 2 3/16” across, the front receiver section measures
1 13/32” long (2 1/8” shorter than the Model 1868 before it), and no serial number. It has the standard blade and notch/folding ladder sights, an “1864” dated lock, “1870/eagle head/cross arrows/US” marked breechblock, “4” marked underneath the breechblock, saddle ring and bar on the left, “US” marked buttplate, and a circled script “ESA” (Erskine S. Allin)
cartouche on the left stock flat. These Model 1870 rifles and carbines were the final trapdoors manufactured in .50-70 Government before the introduction of the .45- 70 Government cartridge and the .45 caliber trapdoor rifles and carbines that were extensively used through the late 19th century Indian Wars and even on into the Philippine- American War in the early 20th century. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes wood tampion. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 60% original oil-quenched casehardened finish on the receiver and breechblock, strongest in the protected areas. The barrel retains the “national armory bright” style polished finish with some minor dings and a few patches of light pitting. The lock retains 80% vivid original case colors with clear distinct markings. The stock is fine with its attractive dark oiled finish, some scattered dents and scratches, a 1 inch period chip visible below the lock, and a crisp oval “ESA” cartouche. Mechanically excellent. A highly attractive example of a rare Model 1870 Trapdoor carbine! Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000
and “U.S./SPRINGFIELD 1871” on the left side of the receiver and “WARD BURTON PATENT/DEC.20.1859
FEB.21.1871” on top of the bolt. A bannered script “JWK” (John W. Keene) cartouche is marked above the saddle ring bar, a circled script “ESA” (Erskine S. Allin) cartouche is marked
behind the saddle ring bar, “A.L” marked behind the lower tang ahead of a small boxed script cartouche that appears to read “LB”. The buttplate is marked “US”. It features a blade front sight and a notch and folding ladder rear sight. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes wood tampion. CONDITION: Fine, retaining 70% thinning arsenal refurbished brown finish on the barrel with some light freckling and handling marks, and 60% original blackened oil quenched casehardened finish on the receiver and bolt. Stock is very fine with attractive raised grain and rich oil finish, some scattered light dents and handling marks, two pin sized holes on the right rear of the stock from a previous collection tag, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
Springfield Armory, with almost all issued to active cavalry units in the West. This carbine’s serial number falls comfortably within the 325000-400000 serial number range within which these carbines
are generally seen. It features a 24-inch barrel, nearly full length walnut stock, “wraparound” front sling swivel for ease of sheathing, correct “XC” marked Buffington rear sight, and buttplate compartment for cleaning rod (includes three-piece cleaning rod). “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes Rock Island Arsenal leather sling and wood tampion. CONDITION: Fine, retaining 75% thinning arsenal refurbished blue finish with some light muzzle wear and some scattered light spotting on the hammer and lock. 60% case colors on the breech block and upper tang. Stock is very good as lightly sanded and re-oiled with some light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
Collector’s Fact
One of only 341 U.S. Springfield Model 1870 Trapdoor carbines manufactured in 1871.
Collector’s Fact
One of only 316 Ward-Burton carbines manufactured at Springfield Armory in 1871.
LOT 1221 Very Scarce U.S. Springfield Ward-Burton Bolt Action Military Carbine - NSN, 50-70 U.S. Govt cal., 22 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Only 316 Ward-Burton carbines and 1,011 rifles were manufactured at Springfield Armory in 1871. They were issued to troops in the West for field trials. After the trials, the Allin trapdoor design was chosen, and the Ward-Burton rifles and carbines were removed from service. They are based on patents by Bethel Burton and General William G. Ward. The Ward- Burtons are one of the earliest bolt action rifle/carbines issued to the U.S. Military. Marked with an eagle
LOT 1222
Scarce Experimental U.S. Springfield Model 1886 Trapdoor Carbine - Serial no. 340128, 45-70 Government cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This is an example of one of 1,000 experimental Model 1886 carbines manufactured by
Collector’s Fact
One of only 1,000 experimental U.S. Springfield Model 1886 Trapdoor carbines manufactured.
THIS TRAPDOOR CORRECTLY HAS THE “XC” MARKED BUFFINGTON REAR SIGHT
172