Heavily Tacked US Model 1870 Springfield Trapdoor Rifle

.50-70. 24" barrel secured by a single barrel band. SN: NSN. Bright finish, iron furniture, smooth walnut stock. U.S. Model 1870 Rifle shortened to "carbine" with barrel cut from 32.5" to 24" and forend cut back as well with the upper barrel band removed. As with all Model 1870s the gun uses a recycled Civil War period Springfield lock plate, with this one dated 1864. Breech block marked "1870/{Eagle Head}/{Crossed Arrows}/US". No other visible markings. Rifle retains the Model 1870 folding ladder rear sight and a dovetail notch was added near the muzzle for a replacement front sight that is now missing. Sling swivel missing from tirggerguard bow. The gun shows hard use and wear and is profusely decorated with brass tacks with a few missing and many damaged from years of handling and use. The tacks in the butt have a deep, uncleaned bronze patina while the ones in the forend which are touched and handled more often have a dull golden appearance with some green verdigris. The entire gun appears to have been painted gold at one time, a common practice for Civil War era items that were collected and displayed in GAR Halls, so this gun may have spent some time in the collection of a similar place. A substantial piece of wood is missing from the toe line of the stock and appears to be the result of a bullet strike or other catastrophic damage. The damage occurred at some point prior to or during the period is was in use by Native Americans, as this damaged areas is heavily tacked as well. With so many guns on the market purporting to be "Indian Used" most have to be looked at with a jaundiced eye. This gun is completely untouched and appears to be completely "right as rain" with a wonderful appearance and patina.

The Collection of Larry Ness