Springfield Model 1881 Trapdoor Forager Shotgun

Indian Wars

20 Gauge. 26" barrel. SN: 1155. Blued and color casehardened finish, smooth walnut carbine style stock made from surplus Civil War musket stock, secured by a screw. Single shot breechloading "Trapdoor" action shotgun for foraging with a correct pattern carbine triggerguard, grooved trigger, notched breechblock rear sight, brass post and bead front sight and made without sling swivels or barrel bands. Standard early pattern 1873 lock is marked with a {Spread Winged Eagle} and U.S./SPRINGFIELD/1873 on the lock with correct two-click tumbler. Breech block marked 1881 and receiver serial numbered 1155. A partly visible script SWP/1885 cartouche is present on the counterpane, with a good {Circle-P} firing proof behind the triggerguard and the block inspector initials J.B.. These interesting single shot shotguns were produced at Springfield Arsenal circa 1881-1885 for issue primarily to troops serving in western outposts, where these were issued at the rate of two per company. The guns were intended to allow the troops to supplement standard military food rations with small game and fowl. A total of 1376 were produced and Ordnance returns indicate they were still in use as late as 1906 in Alaska. The Springfield Research Service has a limited number of Model 1881 Forager numbers in their serial number books, with #1070 and #1086 both being in use with the 12th Infantry circa 1890-1891 and #1262 being part of the museum collection at Springfield Arsenal. {ANTIQUE}

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Good to very good. Bore mostly smooth, evenly oxidized with only some lightly scattered minor pitting. Metal with a mostly oxidized plum patina and traces of blue in protected areas. Markings in metal clear, somewhat worn in wood. Mechanically functional action. Stock with moderate wear, showing scattered bumps, dings and mars and some impact marks around the stock screw in the bottom of the forend,

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Arms, Armor and Militaria

Springfield Model 1881 Trapdoor Forager Shotgun

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup