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Rare Prototype U.S. Springfield Bruce Gravity Feed Bolt Action Trial Rifle
LOT 1243 lug is unfinished without a sight blade, Unique Prototype Springfield U.S. no holes are drilled in the barrel for a rear
THIS GATLING GUN HAS THE BRUCE FEED MAGAZINE INSTALLED
Military Trial Gravity-Feed Magazine Bolt Action Rifle Attributed to Inventor Lucien F. Bruce with Bayonet - NSN, 45-70 Government cal., 32 1/2 inch round bbl., bright/blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Lucien F. Bruce (1834-1910) is attributed as the inventor of this prototype magazine rifle circa 1885-1890. This rifle was very likely used in U.S. military trials. Lucien Bruce, better known for his “Bruce feed” device on Gatling guns, was involved with the Gatling Gun Company and for over fifty years an employee of Springfield Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts. This bolt action rifle features a flip up gate on the left of the receiver with grooves inside of the gate for holding the rim of .45-70
cartridges for gravity feeding. The “V/P/ eagle head” proofed barrel, rear barrel band with notch on top, buttplate and serrated trigger are
all standard Model 1884 trapdoor pattern parts. The front sight
sight, and the standard pattern Springfield Trapdoor stock has a filled in section on the right where the cutout would have been originally for a lock. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes US socket bayonet (oversized), period leather sling,
and wood tampion.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining its original “national armory bright” polish on the barrel with some scattered light freckling. 50% original blue finish on the receiver area
and bolt, strongest on the loading gate. 75% original blue finish on the fittings. Stock is also very fine with original raised grain and rich finish, some light dents and handling marks, a filled in section on the right (reference above), small cracks behind the receiver, and a few small chips at the toe area. Mechanically fair, the bolt will only pull halfway back. Included bayonet is very fine. A one-of-a-kind Springfield prototype rifle that would make a fine addition to any U.S. military collection!
Provenance:
The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
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