For Sale: Springfield-Sharps Model 1870 Trials Rifle, Type I

The Springfield-Sharps Model 1870, chambered in .50-70 Government centerfire, pictured here is one of the 1000 Type I trials rifles produced by the Springfield Armory. The altered percussion receiver bears the original markings and sub-inspector’s stamps. ‘C. SHARPS PAT./SEPT. 12TH 1848’ is marked on the left side while ‘R.S. LAWRENCE PAT./APRIL 12TH 1859’ and ‘C. SHARPS’ PAT./OCT. 5TH 1852’ are found on the lock plate. The small parts, like the modified walnut musket stock, are taken from surplus inventory and have the original sub-inspector marks. The butt plate also carries its original ‘US’ marking. On the stock wrist, left side, is the ‘ESA’ inspector’s cartouche of Erskine S. Allin. The ‘U’ marked barrel bands are correct, as are the lug front sight, M1870 rear sight, and M1870 ramrod.

Like all Type I alterations, the armory kept the original serial number marked on the upper tang and stamped the left side of the barrel, near the breech, with a matching number. The barrel is otherwise unmarked. Research on the SN indicates that the original percussion Sharps rifle was issued during the Civil War to the 190th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company I as noted by an inventory in January of 1862. The rifle was returned to the Federal armories after the war and converted to .50-70 GOV’T around 1870-1871 for trials. The rifle utilizes a cam-operated firing pin, modified hammer nose contour that meets the cam without any overhang, standard M1870 rear sight and ramrod, and the 35-inch barrel is secured with two-barrel bands.

Overall, this Springfield-Sharps M1870 rifle has a nice, aged look with some areas just starting to develop a brown patina and some patches of oxidation. Case colors are faint in protected areas on the receiver and good color remains on top of the primer system. The ESA stock cartouche and 1848 receiver patent mark are worn but legible. The action works smoothly, and the hammer function is strong with solid clicks at half- and full cock. The stock has service handling marks appropriate with the history of the arm. A small hair-line fracture in the buttstock extends back a few inches from the upper tang on the left side but does not go through to the other side. The bore is clean, bright with shallow rifling and no pitting or dull areas.

During the trials these arms were issued to a handful of units contending with conflict among western tribes along the frontier and therefore saw rigorous field use.  As a result of the history of heavy field use, finding these trails rifles (of any model) can be difficult, particularly in good condition.  This is a very nice example of a scarce trials firearm.

See pictures for overall condition. Antique. Check with a local FFL dealer to confirm your state laws governing ownership of antique firearms before purchasing this item.

For more information about this firearms and the field trials, please see our post.