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1ST PATTERN MODEL 1873
SPRINGFIELD TRAPDOOR CARBINE AND RIFLE COMBINATION TOOL
– VERY SCARCE EARLY INDIAN WAR TOOL: This early
Indian War Combination Tool is a smaller version of the
similar, but larger combination tool issued with the
1871-1872 field trial rifles and carbines.
Originally believed to have been intended for use with
the Ward Burton Model 1870 Trial Rifles and Carbines, it
has since been discovered that the standard sized 1870
Trial Combination Tool was intended for all of the 1870
Trial arms, and this smaller version was specifically
designed for, and issued with, the first productions of
the early Model 1873 .45 caliber Rifles and Carbines.
Produced in only very limited numbers these tools are
not commonly encountered and are often missing from all
but the most advanced Springfield and Trapdoor
collections.
This tool measures 2 5/8” long and 1 15/16” wide, and
still retains the original arsenal blackened finish.
This tool was the first to be manufactured as a new tool
for a standard issue rifle and carbine since the end of
the Civil War, where as previous patterns of tools for
the Indian War rifles and carbines had been modified
from the Models 1855 and 1863 Springfield Combination
Tool and other Civil War tools. As with the earlier
1870 Trial Combination Tool and the later Model 1879
Combination Tool, this specimen features a right angle
“U” shaped cut which served as a mainspring clamp, a pin
punch on the lower arm and screwdriver blades at the
ends of both arms.
This specimen is in excellent condition, retaining a
smooth shiny surface and the original arsenal applied
oil-quenched blue black finish. This 1st
Pattern Model 1873 Combination Tool is a significant
addition to any Springfield Indian War collection, and
in comparison to the other tools of this historic era is
infinitely more difficult to acquire.
SOLD
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