Item Description
Original Item: Only One available. This is a very nice early 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:
U.S.
MODEL
1873
Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 165798*, indicating production in 1882, before the introduction of the Buffington rear sight. The "Star" after the serial number has been a cause of debate for years, but it is generally accepted to mean that it was "made with a combination of new and salvaged parts, to be held in reserve, or issued to and/or used by groups like the National Guard." (Please See the website trapdoorcollector.com for more information).
There is unfortunately no way to tell whether this rifle was returned to arsenal after production, or whether it was originally produced using the "salvaged" parts, in this case the lock plate, which is a 1st model with a date. Additional, the cleaning rod is of the early type, which looks similar to the ramrod of a P-1853 British Enfield.
Regarding condition, the stock and metalwork are quite nice. They show wear and age, but not to an excessive degree. There are no cracks or repairs that we can see, though the stock does exhibits dings, scrapes, and other damage, as expected with a firearm which had a lengthy service life. There is also a trace of an inspector "SWP" cartouche by the lock screws, but we cannot quite make out the date. The stock is mostly proud over the lock plate, indicating that it was not refurbished, which would have removed wood.
The metal, while exhibiting a good degree of original patinaed blued finish has faded to a lovely dark brown/black patina, with some areas of finish wear. The bore is in very good condition, showing strong rifling with a mostly bright finish. There is just a bit of fouling in the middle of the barrel. The ejector is present, and functions correctly, though we have not tested it with real brass. The rear sliding sight is fully functional, and does not appear to be missing any components.
The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, standard Model 1879 sliding sight, and early first pattern ramrod. Lock plate is an early first model type, marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / 1873, manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts.
There is a ghost of the 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 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 Model 18798 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.
This is an great opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a classic U.S. issue firearm. Ready to research and display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1882
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, 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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