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EXPERIMENTAL MODEL 1870 COMBINATION TOOL FOR THE
1870 TRIAL SPRINGFIELD, REMINGTON, SHARPS AND WARD
BURTON CARBINES AND RIFLES – A VERY RARE EARLY INDIAN
WAR TOOL: This early Indian Wars Experimental
1870 Combination Tool is the combination tool which was
issued with the 1870 Trial Springfield, Remington,
Sharps and Ward Burton 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.
Featuring 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 tool
was the first to be manufactured as a new tool for the
newly developed metallic cartridge rifles and carbines
introduced after the end of the Civil War. All of the
other new patterns of firearms tools produced since the
end of the war had been modified from the extensive
stocks of Models 1855 and 1863 Springfield Combination
Tools and the other Civil War firearms tools that still
remained in inventory.
This specimen is in excellent condition, retaining a
smooth shiny surface and the original arsenal applied
oil-quenched blue black finish. Measuring 2 5/8” wide
and 3” long, the screwdriver blades are full form with
no nicks or wear.
As it was intended for issue with
the 1870 Trial guns, the production of this tool was
fairly limited with a very short service life, resulting
in it being one of rarest tools of the early Indian Wars
era. This Experimental Model 1870 Combination Tool is a
significant addition to any Springfield Indian War
collection. (0569) $450
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