US SPRINGFIELD POSITIVE CAM EXPERIMENTAL MODEL 1888.

US SPRINGFIELD POSITIVE CAM EXPERIMENTAL MODEL 1888. SN 415518. Cal. 45-70. The long running trapdoor system had a couple of problems; sticking during rapid fire, and pre-detonation during loading due to a stuck or broken firing pin. The problem had been worked on since 1883 at the armory, with a number of different systems tried. This last variation actually went into limited production with 100 being made between January and July 1888, to be sent for trial to the commanding officer at the San Antonio arsenal for trial. This specimen is listed in Frasca’s THE .45-70 SPRINGFIELD BOOK II on p. 287 in list of known positive cam rifles (15 are listed). This rifle has all of the features normally found on this rare model, including small screw visible above thumb catch, along with collar on 1888 marked breechblock with its corresponding extra cut in receiver. Stock is cartouched with “S W P 1888” on left side, as well as being configured as a standard model 1884 trapdoor, not having ramrod bayonet. Mr. Howard’s notes indicate that he acquired this item from Richard Ellis in 1992. PROVENANCE: Robert Howard Estate Collection. CONDITION: Excellent. Bbl retains nearly all its orig blue, slightly silvered at muzzle. Oil quenched breechblock, lockplate, and hammer retain most of their blue. Lockplate is somewhat mottled. Breechblock retains nearly all of its vibrant color case hardening, as does action tang. Trigger guard and buttplate retain most of their orig blue with a few minor marks. Buttplate is silvered at toe and heel. Stock is excellent, retaining nearly all its orig finish, with a few minor marks overall, with a few a bit heavier on the left side of butt. Inspectors stamp is sharp and clear. Bore is excellent, bright and shiny. Lock is crisp. Possibly unfired, except for proof. 4-45526 MGM45 (8,000-12,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2012

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1697	$8,050.00	US SPRINGFIELD POSITIVE CAM EXPERIMENTAL MODEL 1888. SN 415518. Cal. 45-70. The long running trapdoor system had a couple of problems; sticking during rapid fire, and pre-detonation during loading due to a stuck or broken firing pin. The problem had been worked on since 1883 at the armory, with a number of different systems tried. This last variation actually went into limited production with 100 being made between January and July 1888, to be sent for trial to the commanding officer at the San Antonio arsenal for trial. This specimen is listed in Frasca’s THE .45-70 SPRINGFIELD BOOK II on p. 287 in list of known positive cam rifles (15 are listed). This rifle has all of the features normally found on this rare model, including small screw visible above thumb catch, along with collar on 1888 marked breechblock with its corresponding extra cut in receiver. Stock is cartouched with “S W P 1888” on left side, as well as being configured as a standard model 1884 trapdoor, not having ramrod bayonet. Mr. Howard’s notes indicate that he acquired this item from Richard Ellis in 1992. PROVENANCE: Robert Howard Estate Collection. CONDITION: Excellent. Bbl retains nearly all its orig blue, slightly silvered at muzzle. Oil quenched breechblock, lockplate, and hammer retain most of their blue. Lockplate is somewhat mottled. Breechblock retains nearly all of its vibrant color case hardening, as does action tang. Trigger guard and buttplate retain most of their orig blue with a few minor marks. Buttplate is silvered at toe and heel. Stock is excellent, retaining nearly all its orig finish, with a few minor marks overall, with a few a bit heavier on the left side of butt. Inspectors stamp is sharp and clear. Bore is excellent, bright and shiny. Lock is crisp. Possibly unfired, except for proof. 4-45526 MGM45 (8,000-12,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2012 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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