^Lot 20 Springfield Model 1873 Single Shot Military Rifle

U.S. Springfield Model 1873 Single Shot Breechloading Military Cartridge Rifle, with bayonet and scabbard, #439553, .45-70 CF cal., 29-5/8'' round barrel (measured from muzzle to breech face) marked ''V/P/(eaglehead)'' at breech and fitted with the standard block-blade front sight (which doubles as bayonet lug) and correct ''R''-marked long range adjustable leaf rifle rear sight; trapdoor marked ''U.S/Model/1873'' in three lines at hinge; flat lockplate marked ''U.S./Springfield'' in two lines ahead of a detailed spread-eagle holding olive branches; steel furniture including two spring-retained barrel bands (top band with sling swivel), triggerguard having a long rear tang and a sling swivel at front, ''US'' marked buttplate, and slotted button-head ramrod. One-piece walnut rifle fullstock having the ''SWP'' initials of Master Armorer Samuel W. Porter over ''1883'' within a rectangular cartouche (partially obscured by wear) opposite the lock. Originally finished with blued barrel and lockplate, case hardened trapdoor and oil-finished stock. Mfg'd 1873-77. Condition is very good, having a smooth brownish patina to barrel and lockplate; triggerguard with approx. 90% original glossy blue; trapdoor with traces of case hardening colors. Stock with minor dings from military use and perhaps a later coat of thin varnish shows nice color. Overall the gun is sound, complete and original as issued. Action is very tight and crisp; bore is clean and shiny with distinct rifling. Bayonet a light gunmetal gray; scabbard condition matches with brown leather frog and brass ''US'' rosette in fine condition. The writer cannot account for this rifle's shorter than standard barrel; there are no signs of alteration, the front sight does not appear to have been re-set; workmanship is of arsenal quality, and it bears all the signs of legitimate age. Est.: $750-$1,000. (Antique)