Item Description
Original Item: Only One available. This is a wonderful example of the classic Springfield trapdoor rifle that was Nickel Plated at the factory in order to be used for special ceremonial and parade use. The breach block is marked:
MODEL
1873
The wood stock bears a trace military inspector's cartouche. The rifle is in excellent condition with 99% of the original finish nickle plate remaining. The Trapdoor Springfield Rifle 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.
This is a real peach and well worth placing in any U.S. Military Collection.
Offered in very good/excellent condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber. Serial # 416265 with a legible cartouche, overall very good metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicates that it was built at Springfield in 1889.
The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are "U" marked. The rifle features an excellent un-sanded stock that is marked 4 on the butt stock in yellow. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels, Buffington sight, standard cleaning rod. Lock is marked with an eagle and "US SPRINGFIELD, manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts.
The elegant script SWP belongs to Samuel W. Porter, who was the Master Armorer and Chief Inspector of Springfield Armory from 15 September 1879 to 18 June 1894. A 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 an 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. Also included is an original matching nickle plated bayonet that is nicely marked U.S.
Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are no able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.