Original Item: Only One available. This is a VERY early first year production example of the classic Springfield trapdoor rifle, with many features that were removed in the subsequent years. The most noticeable of these appearance wise are the early 1st pattern "stepped" M1873 rear sight and "long wrist" on the stock. This is the weapon used, in its carbine form, by the troopers of the 7th Cavalry that met their fate at the Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876. The breech block is marked:

In the years following, the stamping on the breech block was simplified, removing the Eagle and Arrows, and the block itself lost the "high arch" underneath.

Offered in lovely honest used condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber. The serial number is #10045, which indicates production in approximately March 1874, per U.S. Government records. With production of the Model 1873 having started at the very end of September 1873, this is a FIRST YEAR OF PRODUCTION example, possibly the only we have ever had! This also means that it is definitely a "Pre-Custer" example, possibly seeing service in the conflicts with Native Americans. We have had this example examined by several experts, and all parts are correct for a first year production, with no signs of any having been swapped out.

The rifle shows an overall very nice metal finish, displaying a nice aged plum patina in most areas, with the receiver area worn more towards bright steel. The stock is the correct early pattern "long wrist" style, which was only used on Cadet Rifles after the first few years of production. There are some small dents and scratches in the wood, as expected on a rifle this age, and the stock does not appear to have had any major repairs. The stock is at or below the level of the lock plate, indicating it has been worn down or arsenal reconditioned during its long life. The stock has the lovely deep red brown color that only cared for oiled walnut can achieve. We checked the left side of the stock just below the lock screws, and there is still the "ghost" of an oval ESA inspection cartouche.

The bore is in very good condition, showing crisp lands and grooves and a partly bright finish. There is definitely some past oxidation and fouling in the grooves, now cleaned away, so this rifle definitely did see a good amount of use while in service. The extractor is present and functions correctly, and the ejector is still present on the floor of the breech, though we have not tested them with real brass. The first model 1873 rear sight works great, with no deficiencies to note.

The butt plate is marked U.S. (faint) and both barrel bands are U marked. Metal finish is a nice lightly worn plum patina on the barrel, with very minor past peppering in places. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels, standard M1873 sliding sight, and the correct first pattern ramrod. These very early rifles did not come with the "stacking swivel" seen on later examples.

The lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / 1873, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts. This marking only appears on the earliest of Trapdoors, and later they removed the date. The lock is fully functional and has the correct early tumbler with only two notches for half and full cock. Later examples would have a third notch, and rifles serviced at a Federal arsenal would have had this updated, so it does not look to have been sent back to Springfield at any time.

The very faint script ESA cartouche belongs to Erskine S. Allin, the Master Armorer at Springfield Armory from 1853 until 1878. He oversaw the development of the Model 1855, 1861, and 1863 Springfield muskets. It was also his design for a breechloading conversion that became the Springfield Trapdoor Rifle in 1873.

A very faint stylized P in a circle under the wrist of the stock indicates that the rifle passed all of its overpressure proof testing. Early examples such as this do not look to have had the proof marks stamped on the barrel as with later production rifles. The rear sight on this example is the correct very early 1st pattern, and does not have ramped profile of the later ladder sight, or the "R" Marking.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a VERY EARLY and interesting example of a classic U.S. issue firearm, in original unmessed with condition. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: March 1874
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 Inches
Overall Length: 52 Inches
Action type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.
Feed System: Single Shot

NOTE: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.