Original Item: Only One available. This is a VERY early example of the classic Springfield trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine, with some features that were removed in the subsequent years. This was the weapon used by the troopers of the 7th Cavalry that met their fate at the Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876, and this example was produced before that battle! It even has a serial number within the "Custer Range", meaning it is possible, that this particular Carbine was issued to the 7th Cavalry. It has a great lightly worn look and shows no signs of having been "messed with".

The breech block is marked:

MODEL
1873
(EAGLE)
(CROSSED ARROWS)
U.S.

These are the early pattern markings, and the block has the correct "High Arch" underneath. In the years following, the stamping on the breech block was simplified, and the arch made lower. Another big change was the addition of a cleaning rod channel to the stock, as after Little Bighorn the U.S. Army concluded that access to cleaning rods during the battle would have been advantageous for removing lodged shell casings. This necessitated a sturdier stock with a shorter and thicker wrist, however this carbine still has the original "Long Wrist" stock, so it was never swapped out.

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 43350, which indicates production in approximately March 1875, per U.S. Government records. Production only started in September 1873, so this was made very early during production! More importantly, it is believed that carbines in the 43,XXX serial number range were issued to the 7th Cavalry. As the Battle of Little Bighorn occurred June 25–26, 1876, this carbine would have had more than enough time to get there.

The left side of the stock has a slightly faint oval cartouche marked ESA, for inspection by Erskine S. Allin, the Master Armorer at Springfield Armory from 1853 until 1878. He oversaw the development of the Model 1855, 1861, and 1863 Springfield muskets. It was also his design for a breechloading conversion that became the Springfield Trapdoor Rifle in 1873.

The carbine shows an overall good metal finish with all proofs still present, and no sign of refinishing or refurbishing, just that someone added "finger grooves" under the fore stock at some point. It looks to be "ALL ORIGINAL" with no signs of having parts swapped out over the years, and is still in the correct early configuration. It still has the original M1873 Carbine rear sight, numbered 1 to 5 on the right side, with numbered up to 12 on the sight ladder (rifles went 1 to 4 and up to 11 on the ladder). The carbine has an overall very good metal finish, showing a great plum patina in most areas.

The stock is in very good condition, with a lovely color. It does show some wear, but does not appear to have been refurbished at any time. The stock is at or below the level of the lock plate, so it has lost some wood, but not a large amount. The finger grooves added under the fore stock are well executed, however we unfortunately have no way of telling when they were added.

The bore is in very good condition, still showing clear lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. There are signs of use and past cleaning, but for a carbine as early as this, it's very rare to find the bore in such great shape. 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.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and the front band is U marked. The metalwork has been worn to a lovely faded gray patina overall, with a mottled patina on the breech block and receiver, which were originally case hardened. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and fully functional carbine M1873 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, but since it is over serial number 28,000, it is fitted with a three notch tumbler. The stylized P in a circle under the wrist of the stock indicates that the rifle passed all of its overpressure proof testing.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a very early example of a legendary U.S. issue firearm, one that could possibly have been issued to the 7th Cavalry during the Battle of Little Bighorn period! Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1875
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.