Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The model 1873 "Trapdoor" Springfield was the first standard-issue breech-loading rifle adopted by the United States Army. The gun, in both full-length and carbine versions, was widely used in subsequent battles against the American Indians. It was 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 model 1873 was the fifth variation of the Allin trapdoor design, which was originally developed by Erskine S. Allin to convert Springfield model 1861 and 1863 rifled muskets into breech-loading cartridge firearms. The rifle was named for its hinged breechblock, which opened like a trapdoor. The infantry rifle model featured a 325⁄8-inch (829 mm) barrel, while the cavalry carbine used a 22-inch (560 mm) barrel. Both were chambered for the new .45-70 "Government" cartridge.
As the barrel was slightly less wide than the rifled muskets it replaced, the design of the current bayonet required alteration of the socket. Aside from this, the bayonet design was identical to the Rifled Musket version. It consists of a standard socket, which locks over the barrel and front sight, and has an attached 18 inch long triangular hollow-ground blade.
This example is very good, though it has been cleaned a lot, and does not have any of the original finish present. It now has a very nice bright steel patina, with some areas of staining and oxidation. The cleaning has unfortunately removed the marking from the blade ricasso.
The bayonet comes complete with its original steel scabbard, with attached belt frog. The scabbard is in good condition, with with most of the original finish on the metal present, with some areas of oxidation. The leather frog is in very good shape, with very little leather degradation, and has a very nice brass belt hook attached by the U.S. rosette hinge.
A very nice U.S. Trapdoor socket bayonet, complete with original scabbard. Ready to fit to your Springfield 1873 Trapdoor Rifle!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 18"
Blade Style: Triangular
Overall length: 21“
Scabbard Length: 18 3/8"
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