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EXTREMELY RARE HIGH CONDITION LEE VERTICAL ACTION

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,500.00 USD
EXTREMELY RARE HIGH CONDITION LEE VERTICAL ACTION

SINGLE-SHOT RIFLE MFG. BY SPRINGFIELD ARMORY. Cal. 45-70. Ser. # NSN. Bbl. 32-5/8". Receiver tang marked “U.S.” & “Pat. Mar. 16 1875”. These rifles were manufactured at the Springfield Armory circa 1875. They were invented by noted firearms designer James P. Lee & made under his supervision at Springfield. The appropriation of these rifles only permitted 143 to be made; they were inspected by Erskine Allin & this rifle is so marked. The action is a Martini type “dropping block” action operated by the outside hammer. Chambered for the 45-70 cartridge, this 2-band rifle uses a Springfield Model 1873 type rear sight. The stud front sight also provides mounting for the bayonet. Model 1873 type ramrod with slotted head. Upper band has stacking & sling swivel. Buttplate is marked “U.S.” Walnut stock is marked with “ESA” cartouche on left side above trigger guard. Encircled “P” script proof & tiny “B” underneath grip. CONDITION: stock with crisp markings retains a very large degree of its original finish with scattered small handling marks. Metal has very large percentage of its original blue finish with thinning & very light wear. Finish has notable thinning at trigger guard & buttplate. Very good shiny bore with sharp rifling. (01-21459/RW) ANTIQUE $3,000-4,500.