Manufactured by the Springfield Armory from 1868 through 1870, with a total production of 52,145. The rifles were serial number on the left receiver and barrel separately, with this one being #43112 and breech block dated 1870. Springfield manufactured 34,651 rifles in 1870. The original Civil War period lock plate is dated 1863.

The model 1868 was the arsenals first use of a newly manufactured receiver. Most utilized original Civil War period barrels that were solder-sleeved down to .50, with some newly manufactured barrels being utilized. The new shorter barrel length of 32.6” eliminated the need for a middle barrel band.

The barrel surface wears a bright cleaned finish. Left side of barrel near the breech and the breech block carry serial number 43211. Trapdoor operates properly and has a crisp stamping of “1870” over an eagle head with crossed arrows and “US.” Both sights are present. The rear sight is complete with flip-up leaf graduated to 900 yards. It was the first usage of a rear leaf sight. The bore has good 3-groove rifling and some very light surface dirt.

Hammer and lock are mottled gun metal grey in color. Action is crisp. The lock has a stamping forward of the hammer of a spread-winged eagle and “US” over “SPRINGFIELD”, with evidence of subsequent polishing away of most of the eagle central design. Behind the hammer is a lightly readable “1863.” Butt plate and trigger guard wear a cleaned look to match the rest of the metal on the weapon. Butt plate has a crisp “US” on tang and rack markings of “2/C/37”. Lock screws and butt plate screws show light wear.

Walnut stock is dark in color and shows scattered minor dings, dents and scratches consistent with use and age. There is a visible “ESA” cartouche in the wood for armory inspector Erskin S. Allen. Also, included is an original, as mounted, leather sling. It is the correct, Civil War era, two-pieced-together construction. The model 1868, and later, utilized a longer sling due to the movement of the forward barrel band out further, with the elimination of the middle band.

The rifle has two iron “U” marked bands, band springs and nose cap. Both sling swivels are present. Cleaning rod is also present, and is of the “pin secured” version.

A clean example of an Indian War era longarm with wide Western American usage. [stp][ph:L]

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