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SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1875 TRAPDOOR
OFFICER’S RIFLE – THE RARE TYPE II – AN EXCELLENT
SPECIMEN WITH THE RARE SPRINGFIELD ARMORY-MANUFACTURED
ROUND BASE TANG SIGHT: Manufactured at the
Springfield Armory, these 1875 Officer’s Model Rifles
are considered by many to be the crown jewel of the
Indian War era arms. The list of officers who purchased
these rifles reads as a list of “Who’s Who” of the
Indian Wars, including many of the prominent names
recorded in the history of the American West.
This rifle features an 1873 dated breechblock, and as
indicated in the production chart shown on page 175 of
The .45-70 Springfield, Book II by Frasca, this
rifle was one of those forty rifles manufactured in the
last half of calendar year 1876, a desirable early
example.
Of special note, the rifle is fitted with the original
Springfield Armory manufactured round base tang sight –
one that is rarely seen. This style of tang sight was
produced in limited numbers and is described as being
found on very few of these Type II rifles, with
only 3 or 4 of the round based sights being known to
exist out of a total production of just over 400
rifles.
This Officer’s model has all the correct features to
include the folding Beech globe front sight, the Model
1877 rear sight with the 50 yard marking on the base,
the correct stampings on the breech block, the single
set trigger, the detachable walnut pistol grip, and the
original cleaning rod with both of the proper nickel
plated tips intact.
In excellent condition overall, it is mechanically
crisp, to include the fully functional set trigger, and
the bore is pristine with excellent rifling. The metal
surfaces are smooth with no pitting. The barrel’s blued
finish is fading, but it still definitely blue, and not
turned to a plum color. The case colors on the lock
plate, breech block, butt plate and barrel band have a
pleasant and consistent nickel colored patina.
The stock is excellent with no cracks or other damage
save for some very minor wear where the toe of the stock
meets the bottom of the butt plate, which is hardly
noticeable, but mentioned here for a complete and
accurate description. The stock retains its original
finish, the checkering is clear and sharp, and a crisp
circled P is present below the lower trigger guard
tang.
The 1875 Officer’s Model Rifle presents in a collection
today as it did one hundred thirty five years ago on the
wall of an officer’s sparsely decorated quarters along
the parade field of a frontier post – it was evidence of
accomplishment, stature, and prestige. A reward for
career achievements, and yes, admittedly a luxury and
perhaps even a little overstated opulence. During the
Indian Wars era, an officer had the option at any time
of purchasing the standard issue rifle or carbine, and
once that regulation firearm was his personal property,
he could have it altered or enhanced in any way he chose
to suit his tastes. And certainly, some did just that.
But some 400 chose to acquire the very best Springfield
Armory had to offer, and with it came a certain level of
stature in their peer group, and the satisfaction that
comes with owning such a fine firearm.
SOLD
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