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Incredibly Rare Prototype Serial Number 1 Hammerless Striker-Fired U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Rifle
LOT 1227
Rare Experimental Prototype U.S. Springfield Armory Striker- Fired Trapdoor Rifle with Bayonet - Serial no. 1, 45-70 Government cal., 32 5/8 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. This striker-fired trapdoor rifle appears to have been manufactured at Springfield
SERIAL NUMBER 1
THIS RARE, PROTOTYPE RIFLE HAS A SPRING-LOADED STRIKER-FIRED FIRING PIN WHICH IS COCKED UPON OPENING THE BREECHBLOCK
Armory, and is very likely the creation of Master Armorer Erskine S. Allin circa 1885-1890 as an attempted improvement on the primary issue U.S. Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor then in military service. It features a spring-loaded striker-fired firing pin that cocks itself upon opening the trapdoor breechblock. The trigger interacts with a sear located
on the underside of the breechblock. On top of the breechblock is a manual safety mechanism, which blocks the firing pin when engaged. The stock appears to originate from the same blank as the standard issue Trapdoor, without a section removed for fitting of a lock plate. The underside of the stock has a flat section that appears to be a mounting point for some sort of a magazine cartridge holder.
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The “V/P/eagle head” proofed barrel, blade front sight, cleaning
rod, barrel bands, and “U.S.” marked buttplate are all of the standard pattern found on a Model 1884 Trapdoor. The 1,200 yard windage adjustable rear sight is of it’s own type. The inside left track of
the receiver is marked with serial number “1”. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a US socket bayonet, scabbard, US leather frog, Rock Island Arsenal leather sling, and wood tampion.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 60% plus original blue finish with some light thinning the length of the barrel and scattered light freckling. Stock is also very fine with some light dents and handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is excellent, scabbard is good with some mild pitting, and the frog is fine. A truly one-of-a-kind Trapdoor prototype rifle!
Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 13,000