Original Item: Only One available. This is a very nice 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 rifle in .45-70 government caliber, complete with its original Saddle Ring and Bar on the left hand side of the wood stock. The serial number is 210578, and there is a clear SWP 1879 cartouche on the left side of the wrist. The serial number indicates production in approximately June 1883, per U.S. Government records, with stock inspection several years prior. It is very possible that this carbine was returned to arsenal for repairs, and parts on hand were used, which was quite common. These were often marked with a star on the receiver, however that area is worn, so even if it did have one, it would have been worn away.

The carbine has an overall gray service used patina on the metalwork, with all proofs still present, and shows a lovely light gray mottled patina on the breech block and receiver. There is some light past pitting on the left side of the receiver, and there are no signs of major cleaning or restoration to the metalwork, just wear from service.

The stock is in very good condition, with a lovely color, looking to have been arsenal reconditioned at some point. This has made the stock cartouche faint, and the stock is now below with the level of the lock plate. It has a lovely red brown walnut color with some great grain. The buttstock in particular is now below the level of the stock wood due to wood being removed.

The bore is in very good used condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a partly bright finish. There is wear to the lands, and some past fouling and oxidation present, so this is definitely a carbine that saw a good amount of use while in service. There is also some type of aberration 4 inches from the muzzle, where the barrel is actually very slightly bent, something we have never seen before. The rifling inside this area is also quite worn, but it doesn't look bulged. This is definitely a carbine with a long an interesting history!

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 is U marked. The metalwork has been has a great service used look to it. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and a working carbine M1879 rear ladder sight. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / 1873, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts. This is the early pattern lock plate, often seen on "star" serial number examples, but it has the correct later 3 notch tumbler.

The 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. Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel, which are still mostly clear: an 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 M1879 standard sliding sight leaf and the left side of the ramp are marked C to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.

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

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1883
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.