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1ST PATTERN MODEL 1873
SPRINGFIELD TRAPDOOR CARBINE AND RIFLE COMBINATION TOOL
– VERY RARE 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 that this smaller tool was 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 including the Ward Burtons, 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 is pictured in a diagram on page 19 of the Ordnance
Department manual, “Description and Rules for the
Management of the Springfield Rifle, Carbine, and Army
Revolvers, Calibre .45” published in 1874 at the
National Armory at Springfield, Massachusetts.
This tool measures 2 29/32” long and 2 5/16” wide, and
still retains the original arsenal blackened finish. 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. (0568) $450
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