OFFICER'S CARBINE. Cal. 45-70. NSN. 44.5" overall, 26" round barrel, proofed at breech, adjustable ladder rear sight, Beach patent folding hooded bead front sight, 3.5" long range tang sight inset in wrist. Engraved barrel band, checkered military half stock with inspection proof rear of triggerguard, and "SWP / 1885" cartouche opposite engraved lock, engraved sculptured pewter nosecap. Brass & hickory ramrod are attached with blue steel pipe below barrel, US surcharged buttplate & trigger guard engraved en suite as is breechblock and barrel tang. Flayderman estimates total production in 1885 to be about 100 guns intended for private purchase by military officers. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Receipt from Collector's Firearms dated Sept. 8, 2008 showing this gun was purchased at the time for $37,500. CONDITION: Very fine, retains most of its original finish, though about half the blue on barrel has faded to plum, buttplate retains about 75% bright blue. Breech and tang sight retain most of their original fire-blue finish. Triggerguard colors have faded mostly to dark silver/gray. Stock retains most of its original finish with 2 small chips at front of lock. Mechanics are crisp. Bore appears unfired, bright shiny rifling. (01-29495/JS). ANTIQUE. $15,000-20,000.