Lot 110

Rare U.S. Springfield 1875 Lee Vertical Action Trials Rifle

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Rare U.S. Springfield 1875 Lee Vertical Action Trials Rifle

Estimate: $10,000 - $18,000

Starting Bid: $9,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Rare and Exceptional U.S. Springfield Model 1875 Lee Vertical Action Single Shot Trials Rifle with Bayonet Offered here is a rare, attractive example of one of only 143 of these Model 1875 Lee rifles manufactured c. 1875 by U.S. Springfield Armory per page 591 of "Flayderman's Guide, 9th Edition". On June 23, 1874, Congress appropriated $10,000, "For the purpose of testing Mr. Lee's breech loading gun under the direction of the Secretary of War." Within a year, 143 rifles were completed under the supervision of inventor James Paris Lee, one of the great weapons designers of the late 19th century. Using the appropriated $10,000, it worked out to a cost of approximately $69.93 per rifle. The Model 1875 Lee drew inspiration from the Martini and Peabody single shot falling block rifles. The biggest change introduced by Lee was the use of a combination hammer and breech lever; from a decocked position, a push forward on the hammer drops the breech block and ejects a spent cartridge case, and when a new round is chambered the breech block automatically pops back upwards to a closed position via spring pressure. Once closed, the hammer can be thumbed back to a locked half-cock position for carry or all the way back to full-cock ready for firing. These single shot rifles were capable of a rate of fire of 40 rounds per minute with a trained operator. The Model 1875 Lee shares a number of components with the Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor rifle then in service, chambered for the same .45-70 Government cartridge, featuring a blade front sight doubling as a socket bayonet lug and an 1,100 yard Model 1873 folding ladder rear sight. The serial number "129" is marked on the right concealed area of the hammer and bottom of the breech block. The upper tang is stamped "U.S." above "PAT. MAR. 16. 1875." The smooth straight grip stock is stamped with Springfield Armory's Master Armorer Erskine S. Allin's oval script "ESA" inspection cartouche on the left below the action, a circled script "P" proof is stamped behind the trigger guard, and "US" is marked on the buttplate tang. Includes a "US" marked socket bayonet with steel scabbard and "US" hanger with leather frog unit marked "CO/H/55".

Manufacturer: Springfield Armory U.S.

Model: 1875 Lee

BBL: 32 5/8 inch round

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 45-70 Government

Finish: blue/casehardened

Serial Number129

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus original blue finish and original oil-quenched casehardened finish, with the balance a smooth grey/brown patina, and sharp edges in the metal overall. The wood is very fine, with distinct edges, some dings and dents, and an exceptionally crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is fine and the scabbard is good. A desirable example of an exceptional U.S. Springfield Model 1875 Lee vertical action trials rifle that is a must have for any fine U.S. military firearms collection!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000