Breaking the Monotony of Frontier Garrison Life

Lot 304: Springfield 1875 2nd Type Officer’s Model Sporting

NVSN, .45-70 caliber, 26” inch barrel, Springfield 1875 2nd Type Officer’s Model Sporting Rifle, “Trapdoor”. Crisp, deep engraving on hammer, lock plate, trigger guard, receiver, breech block, barrel band, fore end cap and butt plate. Correct tang and front folding peep sights, Model 1879 rear barrel sight. Crisp, deep checkering on oil finish stock, removable pistol grip, set trigger and cleaning rod are present. No cartouche, as is correct. Clear firing proof at point of checkering. CONDITION: excellent bright bore, 95% arsenal barrel blue, shadowy case colors on block and barrel band, 50% silver/nickel on fore end cap, deep rich walnut is almost a red in color, minor use dings on wood, smooth “iron blue” on furniture, overall a very pleasing example of a rare frontier firearm.

These sporting rifles were offered for sale to officers in the west during the 1870s. The possibility of hunting to break the monotony of frontier garrison life, plus adding wild game to the table, made these rifles attractive. The engraving (done at Springfield Armory), rarity (approximately 250 Type 2 rifles produced) and overall “look” of the rifle makes it one of the most sought-after trapdoor rifles produced during their long period of use.

Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction - January 23, 2016
Sold $19,550