RARE SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1870 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

RARE SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1870 SADDLE RING CARBINE. SN NSN. Cal. 50. 362 of these scarce experimental carbines were produced by Springfield Armory between April and December 1871. This particular example is probably from the last 20 produced in November 1871 for sale to officers at San Antonio arsenal. The model 1870 was developed from the model 1868 in an attempt to reduce weight. The receiver was shortened and the breechblock considerably lightened. This particular carbine conforms to the normal late run with its 22″ round bbl with brass blade front sight, “1870” eagle head and U. S. marked low profile, but high arch, breechblock, saddle ring on long bar on left side, and typical model 1863 lock and stock furniture. It differs from the norm in that the rear sight base is 3/4″ from the receiver (normally 7/16″), and the thumbpiece is square and un-rounded. (Early type, but used throughout production) There are no inspector’s initials on left side of stock, lending credence to its being made for sale, instead of issue. An “L” firing test inspector’s mark is on toe line. Bbl appears to have been originally a brownish blue; receiver, buttplate, and trigger guard blued, and with lock case hardened. Mr. Howard’s notes indicate that he acquired this item from Harry Repman in 1982. PROVENANCE: Robert Howard Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains a considerable amount of its orig blue, showing some areas of cleaning and heavy brown freckling. Action retains a considerable amount of its blue. Lock and hammer retain 90% orig case hardening color with some flecking, and silvering toward front. Trigger guard and buttplate retain over half of their blue. Stock is excellent, retaining nearly all its orig finish, grain slightly raised, with a few minor marks. Proof on toe line is sharp. Bore is excellent. Lock is crisp. An exceptionally high condition, exceedingly rare, carbine. 4-45405 MGM44 (5,000-8,000)

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
	1693	$12,650.00	RARE SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1870 SADDLE RING CARBINE. SN NSN. Cal. 50. 362 of these scarce experimental carbines were produced by Springfield Armory between April and December 1871. This particular example is probably from the last 20 produced in November 1871 for sale to officers at San Antonio arsenal. The model 1870 was developed from the model 1868 in an attempt to reduce weight. The receiver was shortened and the breechblock considerably lightened. This particular carbine conforms to the normal late run with its 22″ round bbl with brass blade front sight, “1870” eagle head and U. S. marked low profile, but high arch, breechblock, saddle ring on long bar on left side, and typical model 1863 lock and stock furniture. It differs from the norm in that the rear sight base is 3/4″ from the receiver (normally 7/16″), and the thumbpiece is square and un-rounded. (Early type, but used throughout production) There are no inspector’s initials on left side of stock, lending credence to its being made for sale, instead of issue. An “L” firing test inspector’s mark is on toe line. Bbl appears to have been originally a brownish blue; receiver, buttplate, and trigger guard blued, and with lock case hardened. Mr. Howard’s notes indicate that he acquired this item from Harry Repman in 1982. PROVENANCE: Robert Howard Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains a considerable amount of its orig blue, showing some areas of cleaning and heavy brown freckling. Action retains a considerable amount of its blue. Lock and hammer retain 90% orig case hardening color with some flecking, and silvering toward front. Trigger guard and buttplate retain over half of their blue. Stock is excellent, retaining nearly all its orig finish, grain slightly raised, with a few minor marks. Proof on toe line is sharp. Bore is excellent. Lock is crisp. An exceptionally high condition, exceedingly rare, carbine. 4-45405 MGM44 (5,000-8,000) 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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