Excellent Springfield US Model 1870 Rolling Block Navy Rifle with Bayonet
NSN, .50 CF, 32 5/8” barrel with an excellent, bright bore. This is one of the production USN Rolling Blocks with rear sight about midway between the rear band and the receiver. The barrel has retained 95-97% of the original blue finish with only some trace silvering at the muzzle, and faint specks of surface freckling barely visible along the top of the barrel. The frame has crisp markings with slightly muted original color case-hardening throughout. There are some further spots of very mild freckling on the hammer and breechblock, but with armory bright metal along the sides. The walnut forend and buttstock are in fine condition with a few minor handling marks and small surface blemishes in the original military oil finish. The “ESA” cartouche on the left side of the wrist is crisp and clear. The rifle comes with a correct metal ramrod, as well as an original Ames-made saber bayonet measuring 24 7/8” overall with a 20” straight, double-edged blade with central fullers. The blade is in excellent condition with bright steel and crisp “USN / CGS / 1870” markings on the ricasso reverse. The cast brass hilt has a dull yellow-orange patina and functional press-stud, while the scabbard has darkly tarnished throat and chape, and an intact black leather body. This is a simply splendid example of a rare USN rifle, complete with original bayonet, and rates excellent condition overall. Antique
Tags: Spfld 1870 Rolling Block .50-70