
Springfield Armory Model 1871 Army Rifle .50-70 Govt. Rolling Block 1872
SOLD FOR: $1,575.00
LSB#: WY240905SP065
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1871 Army Rifle
Serial#: NSN
Year of Manufacture: 1872
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 the 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. Next to it are hand carved initials: “S.R.”. The top of the buttplate is marked “U.S.” The barrel bands are marked “U”.
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. The LOP is 13-?” 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 and the rifling is well-defined. 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: Bayonet
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 152 years. Mechanically the rifle remains sound. This one is a very nice piece of American firearms history.
Please see the condition for yourself in our detailed high quality photos.
Thanks for bidding, and good luck! – Marc
