Produced by the Springfield Armory, this .45-70 caliber, centerfire, cartridge weapon, serial number #121242, is one of over 160,000 made from 1879 through 1885. Most iron surfaces wear a flat dark plum patina and show just faint traces of original bluing and color casehardening.  Does exhibit scattered light pitting. The low-rise breechblock bears the stamping “U. S. / MODEL / 1873” at the hinge.  Stamping clear. Mechanics are tight and crisp. Bore is semi-bright. Lockplate markings show the spreadwinged eagle with “US / SPRINGFIELD” forward of the hammer.  Two-piece iron trigger guard. Black walnut stock never cleaned and exhibits a mellow patina along with its share of normal handling marks, dings and scuffing.  Strong cartouche on left wrist shows “SWP / 1879” in rectangular box. Stock shows inspector stampings of single fancy script initial “P” within a circle on the underside of butt near triggerguard tang and shows a crude 1/8” cutout for the hinge pin. Stock has a thin 1½” long surface crack left side in front of lockplate screw together what appears to be a burn mark on the right side adjacent to the buttplate. All iron mountings standard and present. Rear sight is the long-range type with the adjustable slide leaf missing.  Front blade sight, no bayo lug. Weapon has the original ramrod.

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