Original Item: Only One available. This is a very nice early example of the rare Springfield 1873 trapdoor Cadet 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:

Early examples of these would have an "Eagle's Head" and "Crossed Arrows", but this example was made just after they were removed, and still retains the correct early "High Arch" on the underside.

The Cadet Model 1873 & 1884 Trapdoor Rifles are identical to the Standard Infantry Rifles, from the butt plate up to the rear or lower barrel band. The obvious difference is the overall length of the barrel, and thus the rifle. The standard Infantry barrel length was about 31 1/2" whereas the barrel on a Cadet Rifle was just about 2 1/2 inches shorter coming in at about 29". Not a great deal but this did reduce the weight and presumably allowed raw Cadets to get used to the substantial .45-70 Caliber. Between 1874 the first year of the Standard Model 1873 Models were constructed, and 1886 when the Model of 1884 took over the ratio of Infantry Rifles manufactured was 20-1 TWENTY TO ONE. In fact in the 12 years 203,182 long Rifles to 9,188 Cadet Rifles.

Later Model 1884 Rifles and Cadet Rifles were still being made or converted from long to short until about 1900. The fact remains that the MODEL 1873 and 1884 Cadet Rifle is twenty times harder to find than the standard 1873 Infantry Rifle. This information all comes from a wonderful Book :- THE .45-70 SPRINGFIELD written by Albert Frasca and Robert Hill in 1980. 381 pages of invaluable information, published by Springfield Publishing of Northridge, California.

Offered in very nice condition is this trapdoor cadet rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 71870 with, though the stock cartouches are completely gone. The serial number is a bit faint, and we are not sure on the middle digit, but the others are clear, indicating production in approximately September 1876, per U.S. Government records. This is a lovely example, still in the original early configuration, with the early "high arch" breech block, M1873 "Stepped" ladder sight, smooth trigger, early pattern lock, and even the first pattern cleaning rod. It does look like it has been reconditioned in the past, including the metalwork, but since then has seen additional service, and now displays a lovely aged patina. We did note that for some reason, it only has a stacking swivel on the upper barrel band, and there are no sling swivels, nor any locations where they would be installed.

The stock is in good original condition, with a lovely color, and is the correct very early pattern "long wrist" type, usually only seen on the very early Model 1873 Rifles. This style of stock was also used on the "cadet" rifles throughout their production run, proving that this was purpose made or converted at arsenal using the correct stock. The lock plate is now fully "proud" over the stock, indicating that it definitely has had a good amount of wood removed by cleaning and refinishing. Aside from this there is not any major damage we can see, just he usual scratches, dents, and dings expected on an old service rifle. The metal finish is still quite good, having also been refinished at some point. The barrel now has a lovely plum patina on the barrel, while the receiver and breech block still display relatively strong bluing.

The breech block opens and locks closed correctly, and the firing pin moves back and forth correctly. The cartridge extractor and ejector are intact and functional, though we have not tested it on spent brass. The rear sight can be adjusted correctly, though it is definitely stiff from old grease. We checked the bore, and and it is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with clear lands and grooves. We can see some wear to the lands, as well as a bit of past fouling, now removed, but it still presents very nicely, and indicates that the rifle was well cared for during its service life.

Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, stacking swivel, First Pattern M1873 "stepped" ladder sight, and early pattern "Enfield-style" ramrod, which still has the ribbing on the narrow end, so it was not cut down from a full length rod. The 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 marking only appears on the earliest of Trapdoors, and later they removed the date. The lock is fully functional and has the correct early tumbler with only two notches for half and full cock. Later examples would have a third notch, and rifles serviced at a Federal arsenal would have had this updated, so it does not look to have been sent back to Springfield at any time.

The butt plate is marked U.S., and both barrel bands are U marked. We also noticed the painted number 82 on the right side of the butt stock, while the left side has a stamped 96, and the back of the wrist has 106 over 36, most likely rack numbers. Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a capital V over another P over an Eagle's Head over a another P on the left side just above the stock. These are the correct early pattern proofs with hollow letter stamps.

This is a very nice example of an early Springfield cadet rifle with some interesting markings and history, ready to add to your collection!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1876
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 29 1/4 Inches
Overall Length: 48 3/4 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.

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not 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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.