Springfield Model 1875 Officer's Rifle
The Model 1875 short rifle was produced in small numbers by the Springfield Armory to equip US Army officers. Based on the Model 1873 ‘Trapdoor Springfield’ breechloading rifle the Model 1875 used Erskine Allin’s ‘trapdoor’ breech system.
A number of features set the Model 1875 apart from more common Trapdoor carbines including a sporting style half-stock, chequering on the rifle’s wrist and fore-stock, a metal stock nose cap and a hickory cleaning rod. The Model 1875 also had a single set hair trigger, which when pushed forward reduced the weight of the trigger pull significantly.
Erskine S. Allin’s breechloading patent (source)
Springfield Armory produced small runs of the Officer’s Rifle in three types. Type Is had a round based tang sight (see images #1 & #2) fitted to the wrist of the stock. The Type II and III both had provision for a detachable, chequered pistol grip (see image #3). It was expected that these rifles would be privately purchased by officers for sporting or service use. As such they were not marked with US Ordnance inspection marks.
Only small numbers were manufactured between 1875 and 1885. An estimated 477 Model 1875s were made, including approximately 125 Type Is and 252 Type IIs. They were offered for sale at $36, approximately $800 today.
The rifles were chambered in the standard .45-70 service round and had 66cm (26-inch) barrels and weighed around 3.6kg (8lbs). The rifle’s barrels were blued while the other metal parts including the receiver and breech block and hammer were colour case hardened. These parts also featured open scroll engraving, further setting it apart from the service weapon (see image #4).
Today, Model 1875 Officer's Rifle are exceptionally rate and can command in excess of $30,000 at auction.
Model 1875 Officer's Rifle, Trapdoor Collector, (source)
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