Page 161 - Auction84-Book1

LOT 299
Extremely Rare U.S. Springfield Model 1882
Experimental Trapdoor Short Rifle, One of Only 52
Manufactured with a Friction Fit Breech Block and Experimental
Rear Sight - Serial no. 197065, 45-70 Government cal., 28 inch round bbl., blue/
Collector’s Fact
1 of only 52 Springfield Model 1882 experimental short rifles produced, with the idea to have a single rifle to be issued to both the infantry and cavalry.
SIMILAR EXAMPLES PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK THE .45-70 SPRINGFIELD BY FRASCA
casehardened finish, walnut stock. This is a very rare example of one of only 52 Model 1882 experimental short rifles manufactured for trials in the 197000-199000 serial range. The intent of
this series was to develop a single rifle configuration that could be adopted by both the Infantry
and the Cavalry. It had merit in 1882 and has the same merit in the U.S. Military today. The idea
was to save manufacturing and logistics cost by using only one configuration. Additionally these rifles incorporated some requested improvements at the time, such as a shorter barrel for better handling, different rifling configurations for improved accuracy, cleaning, and improved rear sight modifications. The 52 examples of these rifles were manufactured for test trials with the most unique features including the 28 inch barrel, and a special friction fit breech block with a mechanism that enables it to be retained at any position between fully opened and closed; a feature only found on the Model 1882. Of the 52 made, known examples have wraparound front and rear sling swivels
to facilitate easy entry into a cavalry rifle scabbard, half were manufactured with the traditional, 3-groove rifling with the other half manufactured with a new 6-groove rifling system; of these, half were to be equipped with the new experimental triangular sliding bayonet with the other half equipped with a blade front sight with lug for socket bayonet mounting. This example has 3-groove rifling and the lug front sight. These are a very rare rifle with only a handful extant today, as very
few actually survived the tests with almost all being cannibalized or destroyed after the testing was completed. Thicker/heavier barrel than standard with a larger outside diameter (approximately .780) fitted with the experimental M1882 rear sight with locking screw in the center of the windage slide, with the leaf marked “28 B” on the upper end and “28/B” on the left of the base. Low arch friction
fit breechblock marked “U.S./MODEL/1873”, receiver has extended gas ports and thicker walls. Smooth trigger. Boxed script “SWP/1882” (Samuel W. Porter) inspection cartouche on the left of the stock wrist. Long wrist stock with the short comb. The lock plate and barrel both have the standard proofmarks and markings. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes period leather sling. These rare Model 1882 Trapdoor rifles are described and pictured on pages 130-135 of the book “The 45-70 Springfield” by Frasca & Hill. Certainly one of the rarest of all the models of Trapdoors, of which almost none are known to exist today.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 70% plus attractive original blue finish with some light thinning
on the barrel, some loss on the bands and trigger guard, light muzzle wear from socket bayonet mounting, and some light freckling. Crisp markings and edges overall. Retains 50% muted case colors. Stock is also very fine with attractive raised grain, some light dents and chips, cracks on
the left around the forward lock screw, a discreetly repaired chip at the toe, and a crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. This extremely rare and very fine example of a Springfield Model 1882 Trapdoor rifle would make an excellent addition to any advanced U.S. Military collection! Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
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