U.S. Model 1870 Springfield "Trapdoor" Rifle (AL6097)

The U.S. Model 1870 Springfield rifle was manufactured from 1870 to 1873. Only 11,533 were produced. The overall length is approx. 52". The 32.5" 50 Government caliber (50-70) barrel has an excellent bore with bright, strong rifling. The barrel is a smooth bright mixed with brown patina. This Model 1870 is numbered 1518 on the barrel. While this is normally associated with the Model 1868, Frasca in "The .45-70 Springfield" (Book II, p. 99) documents that about 2,000 second type (rear sight 7/16" from the receiver) Model 1870 rifles were numbered. The breech block is marked Model over 1870 over the eagle with crossed arrows over U.S. It has the high and long Model 1870 interior arch. The reused Civil War U.S. SPRINGFIELD with eagle lock is dated 1863. It has a smooth gray-brown patina. The stock is excellent with sharp edges and very minor wear. It has no cracks or chips and has a small L firing proof behind the trigger guard tang and a strong oval ESA cartouche on the left flat. The swivels are present and it is equipped with a Model 1868 cleaning rod which is most likely correct for this early second type rifle. The action functions correctly. This very nice Model 1870 rifle is ready for the finest collection.