4385

EXPERIMENTAL TYPE SPRINGFIELD ARMORY TRAPDOOR

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
EXPERIMENTAL TYPE SPRINGFIELD ARMORY TRAPDOOR
PISTOL. Cal. 50-70. NSN. General William Tecumseh Sherman saw potential in this massive pistol made to his design: "I wish you also cause to be prepared as soon as convenient prior to March 1, 1870, a carbine and single barreled pistol with the same or similar breech block as is now used in the Springfield musket, and capable of using the same identical cartridge. I do not suppose one can literally use a musket cartridge in the carbine and pistol, but each could use the same caliber, the same copper case, the powder alone varying in quantity, but the strength of parts should be adjusted so that in emergencies the carbine and pistol could use the musket cartridge.". A small quantity, 2 to 25 depending on the source, were made for trials. This pistol is very similar to the pistols in the Springfield Armory & Smithsonian collections. This example is converted from a model 1869 trapdoor rifle. Bbl. 9 1/4". 1869 dated high arch breechblock. Springfield lock plate is dated 1863. Stock is converted from a shortened rifle stock w/ added wood extension to form the grip. Trigger guard is bent to match. Brass backstrap in butt cap. Left ear of stock has a clear "ESA" (Erskin S. Allin) cartouche. Front receiver ring has added marking "D.F.C" over 1869 date that is cut rather than stamped. CONDITION: bbl., bbl. band, trigger guard, lock & hammer are polished bright. Hammer & lock retain small spots of light pitting. Action & breechblock have fading blue finish. Brass backstrap & butt cap are polished bright. Refinished stock shows small marks. Bore ahead of chamber has a ring that may indicate sleeving, unrifled bore shows scattered light pitting. PROVENANCE: From the Lifelong Collection of Glen E. Mattox. (01-22558/DS). ANTIQUE. $3000-5000.