Original Item: Only One available. This is a lovely lightly used honest example of the classic Springfield trapdoor rifle, 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:

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial #286395 with a faint "boxed" SWP 1884 cartouche on the left side of the stock. It shows an overall worn metal finish with all proofs still present, and no sign of refinishing or refurbishing, just wear from long use in service and subsequent cleaning. The serial number indicates production in approximately June 1885, per U.S. Government records, with stock inspection in the previous year, a mismatch we commonly see. This is just a bit late for a Model 1873 rifle, as we usually would expect to see a rifle from this period with a Buffington sight, but there is no evidence that it ever had one. It still has the correct M1879 rear sight and Model 1873 configured stock. The only "upgrade" part on this rifle is the serrated trigger introduced in 1884.

The stock is in very good original condition, with lots of character and a great red-brown color showing lovely grain. It does show denting, scratches, and some small gouges, as expected on a rifle that saw real service. It also has some wood filler repairs near the butt plate, where wood had worn away due to moisture exposure and cracking. The stock is still fully proud over the level of the lock plate, indicating that it has not been worn down much over the years, something we rarely see! 

The bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish and clear lands and grooves. It does show overall wear to the lands, so it did see a good amount of service, but was well cared for and cleaned. We would rate it at approximately 7-8 out of 10. The ejector is present, and functions correctly, though we have not tested it with real brass. The model 1879 rear sight works well, and has all the internal springs present as far as we can see, though it is definitely stiff.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. The metal finish shows little of the original bluing, instead showing a bright steel patina with areas of peppered oxidation, especially on the barrel. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, standard model 1879 sliding sight, and standard ramrod. Lock is marked with a Federal Eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, indicating that it was manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts. The sling swivels still move correctly, though the trigger guard swivel is a bit bent. The cleaning rod shows an oxidized patina, but still retains the ribbed cleaning jack on the narrow end.

The elegant script SWP belongs to Samuel W. Porter, who was the Master Armorer and Chief Inspector of Springfield Armory from 15 September 1879 to 18 June 1894. The faint stylized P in a circle under the wrist of the stock indicates that the rifle passed all of its overpressure proof testing. Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a capital W on top; a V over a P over an eagle's head over another P on the left side just above the stock. The upper right corner of the standard M1879 sliding sight leaf and the left side of the ramp are marked R to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.

This is an great opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a classic U.S. issue firearm, in very nice honest used condition. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1885
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.