81. U.S. Springfield Model 1870 Navy Rolling Block First Contract Rifle
50 CF, 32 5/8" barrel with a near excellent bore which is bright and shows only some very sparse pitting toward the breech. Barrel is a dull gray and blue patina with streaks of light pewter and appears to be faded original blue. Frame shows about 97% good original slightly muting case colors with some very sparse and very light oxidation freckling. The breech block, hammer, pivot pins and retainer have been lightly brightened. Buttstock rates about very good showing a very light cleaning and some added linseed oil with the left wrist showing a light cartouche and original dings and handling marks beneath the finish. The forend is a modern replacement and rates excellent, the bands appear to have been re-colored. This is the scarce early variant which was rejected by the Navy, with the rear sight 1/2" in front of the receiver. The frame is properly "USN" marked while the left side bears no inspectors markings. A fine example overall of these very seldom encountered Naval rolling blocks. (3393-16) {ANTIQUE} (1800/2200) SOLD FOR $2300.00 |
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