Original Item: Only One available. This is a very good example of the classic Springfield trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine, 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:

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor carbine in .45-70 government caliber, which is fitted with a Model 1879 rear ladder sight, which may have been retro-fitted. It also comes with its original Saddle Ring and Bar on the left hand side of the wood stock.

The carbine bears Serial # 342227 on the rear of the receiver, which indicates production in approximately November 1886, per U.S. Government records. There is also the "ghost" of a boxed cartouche on the left wrist, but we cannot make out the initials or date. This is definitely a carbine that saw some level of service, based on the overall condition, which has made the cartouches stamped into the stock faint. The stock is in very good original condition, with the expected wear from age and service, and shows the lovely red brown color of aged and oiled walnut. It is now at or below the level of the lock plate, so it definitely looks to have been cleaned and possibly arsenal reconditioned, which would remove some wood from the stock.

The bore is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is some wear and past fouling in the grooves, so it definitely did see some level of service, but was well maintained. The breech block moves correctly, and the extractor is still present and functional, though we have not tested it with real brass. The saddle ring bar is still present, with the correct saddle ring present. It has the correct butt stock storage compartment for the cleaning rod, which is unfortunately empty.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and the front band/guard is U marked. Metal finish is quite good, with the original blue faded to a lovely plum patina over most areas. There is some staining in areas, as well as some peppering in a few areas. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and standard model 1879 sliding sight. Lock is marked with an 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, which are still mostly clear: a capital A over the chamber, as well as 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 standard M1879 sliding sight leaf and the left side of the ramp are marked C to indicate that the sight graduations are for a carbine and not a rifle.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a legendary U.S. issue firearm. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1886
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Overall Length: 41 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.