Mass Arms Maynard 1873 .40 Cal 32” Single Shot Breech Loaded, Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,390.00

LSB: LSB250728SA002

Make: Massachusetts Arms Co.

Model: 1873 #10 Improved Mid-Range

Serial Number: 5422

Year of Manufacture: 1873 – 1890

Caliber: .40 Caliber

Action Type: Single Shot Lever Actuated Breech Loaded Single Shot Rifle. 

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked, “EDWARD MAYNARD PATENTEE MAY.27 1851. DEC.6.1859 / 1873” The right side of the receiver is marked, “MANUFACTURED BY MASS. ARMS CO. CHICOPEE FALLS”. The rear tang is marked with the serial number.

Barrel Length: 32”. Octagon to round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a two position Beech style sight with a brass post and a hooded post. The rear sight is a two position V-notch with a sliding ladder. The rear tang is fixed with a Vernier tang sight base & rails.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a single piece walnut with a straight wrist, raised straight comb, and steel buttplate. There are light handling marks throughout. There are compression marks and scratches. The LOP measures 13 1/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition. 

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8 out of 10.

Overall Condition:  This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There are scratches, thinning, and nicks. The blue finish has turned a patina. The screw heads range from sharp to tooled with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics:  The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: A solid, attractive example of a Mass Arms Maynard #10 Improved Mid-Range — overall Very Good condition. It retains about 90% of its metal finish, the bore is bright with sharp rifling (˜8/10), and the walnut stock is sound with only light handling marks. All markings and original sights (including the Vernier tang base) are clear and present, and the lever/breech action functions correctly. We did not fire the rifle; a thorough cleaning and inspection (including locking surfaces and firing components) before any use. This piece is well suited to 19th-century American arms collectors or as a display/period shooting rifle after standard service. Please see our photos and good luck with your bid! -N.P