Item Description
Original Item: Only One available. Here we have what is a VERY interesting example of a Springfield trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine, which looks to have started its life as a very early production Model 1873 Rifle. For some reason, it was converted at arsenal to a Model 1884 style carbine, and has some very interesting features that we have never really seen before.
The Springfield Trapdoor Carbine was the weapon used 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:
U.S.
MODEL
1884
Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor converted carbine in .45-70 government caliber, fitted with a pattern 1884 "Buffington" rear sight. The serial number is 39054, which indicates production in approximately February 1875, per U.S. Government records. We considered the possibility that maybe a number was missing due to wear, but we see no evidence of this, so it looks like an early production receiver was returned to arsenal, and then modified into a carbine. It is fitted with the model 1873 two part trigger guard, and model 1873 smooth trigger.
We can see that there was definitely a ramrod channel in the stock, as there would be for a rifle, however this was plugged and the stock properly adjusted to carbine proportions. There is however no butt stock compartment, as would be needed to carry the cleaning rod on a carbine. The barrel walls are quite thick, so it was originally for a rifle, and reduced down to 22 inches for a carbine. However the proof marks are definitely the mid 1880s style, so the barrel looks to have been completely replaced, and then cut down. It has a Buffington sight still installed, however it is the Rifle version, and the barrel band does not have a cutout for it. Definitely some interesting aspects ripe for further research!
The stock on the carbine is in very good condition, with the lovely red-brown color of aged and oiled walnut. It was definitely reconditioned when it was shortened, so unfortunately the original inspection cartouche was worn away. We did not see any major damage or other issues with the stock.
The bore on the carbine is in excellent condition, with bright finish and crisp lands and grooves. There is just a bit of wear visible keeping it from being MINT. The breech block moves correctly, and the extractor is still present and functional, though we have not tested it with real brass. As stated before, there is no butt stock storage compartment.
The butt plate is marked U.S. and the front band/guard is U marked, and is not inlet on the top for the Buffington sight. The metalwork has been worn to a lovely faded blue patina overall. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and rear Buffington Sight. Lock is marked with a Federal Eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts.
A 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 A on top and a V over a P over a faint 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 very interesting arsenal converted example of a legendary U.S. issue firearm. Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1875
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 222 Inches
Overall Length: 41 3/8 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.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: United Kingdom
Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are no able to ship to the United Kingdom.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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