Item Description
Original Item: Only One available. This is a very nice example of the classic Springfield trapdoor rifle, which after official service found its way into in the hands of Native American Police Forces. The fore stock and wrist are wrapped in deer skin secured by animal gut stitches and the wood is decorated with many brass tacks and two hanging groups of feathers.
The right hand side of the butt stock bears a white metal shield stating:- U.S. and INDIAN POLICE on either side of a Cast Bow & Arrow logo. In the late 19th Century the Native American population had their own police force, sometimes organized by the U.S. Government, such as in this case.
The breech block is marked:
U.S.
MODEL
1873
Offered in very nice condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 217344, with overall worn metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in 1885. The bore is in good condition, with a partly bright finish and visible lands and grooves, with a few areas of corrosion, especially close to the muzzle. The ejector is present, however the spring is broken, and we have not tested it with real brass. The stock also looks to have been cracked through around the receiver area at some point, which was repaired, though the front trigger guard screw is missing.
The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. Metal finish is a nice lightly worn gray color, with overall patination, as shown. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, and standard sliding sight. Lock is marked with an eagle and US SPRINGFIELD, manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts. The ramrod / cleaning rod is missing, and the rear sight slider is missing the internals, so it slides around more than it should. The nose cap is also missing.
Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a V over a P over an eagle's head over another P on the left side just above the stock, and a small R over the chamber. The upper right corner of the standard 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.
Almost certainly from a Reservation that had its own law enforcement Officers. Most impressive, 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.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
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. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". 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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