Original Item: Only One available. This is a very interesting 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. The receiver is marked with Serial # 208699, which indicates production in approximately February 1883, per U.S. Government records. It looks to have been returned to arsenal at some point soon after that, and was partly updated to the Model 1884 standard, with a Buffington rear adjustable sight fitted, as well as some other replacement parts. It was not however updated to the "1888" pattern, with the ramrod bayonet. The rifle has overall very good metal finish and all metal proofs still present, with the original blued finish worn to a gray patina.

It comes complete with an old leather Springfield Trapdoor leather sling, which still has both keepers intact. It even has ROCK ISLAND / ARSENAL. / W.T.G. stamped into the stiff leather. It is however definitely in worn relic condition, and removing it from the rifle may require destroying it, especially since it is almost torn through by the upper sling swivel.

While the rifle was fitted with the Buffington sight and updated lower barrel band, the trigger was not updated to the serrated type, and is still smooth. The stock is in the 1873 configuration, setup for a standard cleaning rod and two part trigger guard. It was also fitted with some very early parts, including a rare and desirable 1st model cleaning rod, as well as a 1st pattern 1873 dated lock plate. Definitely some interesting research potential in this rifle!

The stock is in very good lightly used condition, and is still fully proud over the lock plate on all sides. It however does not have any of the usual inspection cartouches, so we believe that it may have been totally replaced at arsenal. It has a lovely dark red brown color, with a lightly oiled finish. Really a great untouched stock. The bore is in very good condition, with strong lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish. There is some oxidation and wear in areas, but nothing major. The breech block moves correctly, and the extractor is still present and functional, though we have not tested it with real brass.

The both barrel bands are U marked, and the butt plate tang is marked with the correct U.S. stamp. Metal finish is very nice, with a lovely service worn patina. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, Buffington sight, with standard ramrod. The sight is in very good condition, and the windage and range adjustment work beautifully. Lock plate is an early first model type, marked with the Federal Eagle to the left of U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / 1873, indicating manufacture by Springfield Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a capital A on top; and 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 Buffington sight leaf is marked R to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a great example of a classic U.S. issue firearm, complete with its original sling and some very early components. Ready to display!

Specifications (Rifle):-

Year of Manufacture: 1883
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.