Springfield Armory Model 1871 Army Rifle .50-70 Govt. Rolling Block Antique

SOLD FOR: $1102

LSB#: 220109RB038

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1871 Army Rifle

Serial#: NSN

Year of Manufacture: 1872, Antique

Caliber: .50-70 Government

Action Type: Single-Shot Rolling-Block Rifle

Markings: The top tang is marked “REMINGTONS PATENT / PAT. MAY 3D NOV 15TH 1864 APRIL 17TH 1868”. The left side of the receiver is marked “MODEL 1871”. The right side of the receiver features a faded Great Seal of the United States, “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / 1872”.  The left side of the wrist is marked “ESA”, which was the inspection mark of Erskine S. Allen. The right side of the wrist has a faded cartouche. The top of the buttplate is marked “U.S.” The barrel bands are marked “U”. The bottom of the wrist is marked “1 / D / 20”.

Barrel Length: 36”

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed by the muzzle. The rear sight is a ladder which presents a square-notch in the down position. When raised the rear sight features a slider with a “V”-notch and a “V”-notch integral to the top of the ladder. The ladder is marked “2”, “3”, “5”, “7” and “9”.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood featuring a forend with a cap, a slot for the cleaning rod, two barrel bands with their springs and a butt with a straight wrist, a straight comb and a metal semi-crescent buttplate. The stocks have scattered light-moderate scratches, nicks, scuffs, compressions and handling marks. Notably, there is a ding at the butt-plate’s top tang. The LOP is 13.5” from the trigger to the rear end of the buttplate. The buttplate has some handling marks and mild-moderate surface oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition for Antiques.

Type of Finish: White Metal

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is light erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: The rifle has no metal finish. There are some handling marks, patches of light surface oxidation, scuffs, and nicks on the metal parts of the rifle. Notably, the metal parts of the rifle have taken a patina color from oxidation. The markings remain clear. The screwheads are serviceable. Overall, the rifle is in Very Good condition for an Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This Springfield Arsenal Model 1871 is a single-shot rolling-block rifle chambered for .50-70 Government cartridges. The model 1871s were manufactured in the government-run Springfield Armory, but they were costly as a result of royalties owed to Remington. The rifle’s performed well during their trials but only a small number were manufactured and cheaper alternatives were selected for military service over the expensive Remington rolling block rifles. This specimen remains well preserved with its original markings still clear after 151 years! Mechanically the rifle remains sound. This is one Antique rifle you do not want to miss out on!