Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive U.S. Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor Cavalry Carbine manufactured in 1890 and chambered for the .45-70 Government cartridge. It retains the defining features collectors look for in an original cavalry carbine, including the saddle ring and sliding bar, carbine marked Model 1879 rear sight, butt stock storage compartment, three piece cleaning rod, and ruptured cartridge extractor. The mostly bright bore, functional breech mechanism, surviving Springfield markings, and traces of original blue finish further enhance its appeal.

The Model 1873 Trapdoor Carbine is one of the most recognizable American military firearms of the Indian Wars period. Early examples of this general pattern were carried by U.S. cavalry units across the Western frontier, including the 7th Cavalry during the 1876 Little Bighorn campaign. This particular carbine was manufactured later, in 1890, and represents the continued development and service of the Springfield Trapdoor system during the closing years of the frontier era.

The breech block is marked:

U.S.
MODEL
1873

The serial number is: 481655

This serial number indicates manufacture during 1890. Springfield Armory production records place it shortly after the end of the first quarter of that year.

The carbine retains its original saddle ring and sliding bar on the left side of the stock. This arrangement allowed a mounted trooper to secure the carbine to a sling while keeping it readily accessible from the saddle. The ring and bar remain intact and give the arm the distinctive appearance associated with U.S. cavalry carbines of the period.

The lock plate is marked with the Federal Eagle and:

U.S.
SPRINGFIELD

The lock was manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, Massachusetts. The mechanism functions correctly, holding at half cock and releasing properly from full cock.

The stock was examined and retains a partial script: SWP

This is the inspection cartouche of Samuel W. Porter, who served as Master Armorer and Chief Inspector at Springfield Armory from September 15, 1879, until June 18, 1894. The date beneath the initials is no longer legible because the stock was cracked and repaired through this area long ago.

A faint stylized P within a circle remains visible beneath the wrist. This proof marking indicates that the completed carbine passed its overpressure firing test before acceptance.

The one piece stock has an attractive color and remains in good overall condition, but it shows substantial evidence of age, use, and previous repair. A crack through the wrist was repaired long ago. The wood now sits below the level of the surrounding metal in this area, indicating that some material was removed, most likely when the repair was shaped and finished.

The stock also displays scattered dents, scratches, staining, and other signs of service and handling. The area around the buttplate tang appears to show an additional possible repair, and the buttplate does not fit tightly against the wood. These condition issues are fully visible but do not detract from the strong overall appearance of the carbine as a service used cavalry arm.

The buttplate is marked: U.S.

The single front barrel band retains its correct: U

The metalwork displays a worn plum brown patina resulting from age, use, and past cleaning. Traces of the original blue finish remain visible in protected areas, while exposed surfaces show finish loss, staining, and mellow oxidation. The surviving proofs and inspection marks remain clear.

The breech end of the barrel retains several inspection and proof markings. An A is visible over the chamber. The left side above the stock is marked:

V
P
(EAGLE HEAD)
P

The breech block opens and closes correctly. Its firing pin remains intact and moves freely. The extractor and ejector are both present and functional, although they have not been tested using a cartridge case.

The carbine retains its Model 1879 rear ladder sight. The upper right corner of the sliding sight leaf and the left side of the ramp are marked: C

These markings identify the sight as graduated for a carbine rather than a full length rifle. The elevation adjustment functions correctly. The sight does not currently move laterally for windage, and we did not attempt to force it.

A sight protector has been fitted over the front sight. This is not described as an original factory component, but it remains with the carbine as found.

The bore is in very good condition and is mostly bright, with clearly defined lands and grooves. There appears to be relatively little rifling wear. Some fouling and oxidation are present near the muzzle, but the bore remains considerably better than is often encountered on service used black powder carbines.

An especially desirable feature is the storage compartment beneath the buttplate. The compartment retains its three piece cleaning rod and ruptured cartridge extractor. These tools were intended to allow a trooper to maintain the bore in the field and remove the remains of a cartridge case if its head separated during extraction. Original cleaning equipment is frequently absent from surviving carbines, making its presence here a significant collector feature.

The Springfield Trapdoor system originated in the years following the Civil War as the U.S. Army sought an economical means of transitioning from muzzle loading percussion arms to metallic cartridge breechloaders. Designed under the direction of Erskine S. Allin at Springfield Armory, the hinged breechblock opened upward like a trapdoor, allowing a cartridge to be inserted directly into the chamber.

The .45 caliber Model 1873 represented the first newly manufactured Springfield Trapdoor series chambered for the .45-70 Government cartridge. The standard military loading combined a .45 caliber projectile with black powder, while carbine ammunition was generally loaded more lightly to reduce recoil in the shorter, lighter arm. Trapdoor rifles and carbines remained in production with progressive improvements through the early 1890s and served throughout the Indian Wars and into the Spanish American War era.

For mounted troops, the carbine offered a practical balance of portability and power. Its shorter barrel and reduced overall length made it easier to carry and handle on horseback than the full length infantry rifle. The saddle ring allowed the weapon to remain connected to the trooper while riding, reducing the risk of losing it during rapid movement, a fall, or close combat.

This example combines the classic appearance of the U.S. cavalry Trapdoor with an unusually complete assortment of surviving features. Its correct saddle ring and bar, carbine marked Model 1879 sight, partial SWP inspection cartouche, Springfield lock markings, mostly bright bore, functional action, and butt stock compartment containing both the three piece cleaning rod and ruptured cartridge extractor give it considerable display and research appeal. The repaired wrist, reduced stock wood, possible buttplate area repair, fitted front sight protector, and worn plum patina honestly reflect its long history. It would display particularly well in an Indian Wars, U.S. cavalry, Springfield Armory, Western frontier, or antique American military firearms collection.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1890
Maker: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield
Model: 1873 Trapdoor Carbine
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
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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 no 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.