Original Item: Only One available. This is a lovely representative 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. Though this example was made over a decade later, it still retains the classic look of the last single shot Carbine the U.S. military would adopt. The breech block was replaced during service and is marked:

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor carbine in .45-70 government caliber, fitted with the correct Buffington rear adjustable sight. It also comes with its original Saddle Ring and Bar on the left hand side of the wood stock, as well as the 3-piece cleaning rod and ruptured shell extractor stored in the butt trap. We almost never have carbines with the full set of accessories!

The carbine bears Serial # 342598 on the rear of the receiver, with a faint "boxed" SWP / 1880 cartouche on the left side of the stock. The serial number indicates production in approximately October 1887, per U.S. Government records, which means that the stock was swapped out at some point in service, as was the breech block. This is definitely a carbine that saw some level of service, based on the overall condition, however it was well cared for during that time.

The stock is in very good original condition, with the expected wear from age and service, but no major cracks or other damage. It shows the lovely red brown color of aged and oiled walnut, though the stock is only partly proud over the lock plate, so it definitely has had some wood removed from cleaning over the years. There are no cracks or major condition issues we can see, just the initials F C W scratched into the left side of the butt stock.

The bore is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is some wear and evidence of past fouling and oxidation, later cleaned away. We would rate this an 8 out of 10. The breech block moves correctly, and the extractor is still present and functional along with the ejector, though we have not tested it with real brass. It has the correct butt stock storage compartment for the cleaning rod, and in this case it actually has the complete 3 piece cleaning rod and ruptured shell extractor. The rod screws together correctly, and the door on the butt plate is easy to open.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and the front band is U marked. The metalwork is in really nice condition, without any major oxidation issues, showing a lovely light gray patina from decades of cleaning. It has a lovely honest worn look to it, with an oxidized gray patina on the lock, receiver, and breech block. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and carbine Buffington sight, which easily adjusts for range and windage. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in 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. The very faint 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, which are still mostly clear: an A over the chamber, 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 C to indicate that the sight graduations are for a carbine and not a rifle.

This Springfield trapdoor carbine retains its saddle ring and bar, carbine-graduated Buffington rear sight, and complete butt-trap accessories, including the three-piece cleaning rod and ruptured-shell extractor. The bright, well-defined bore and functional action are particularly noteworthy, while the replaced Model 1873 breech block, earlier 1880-dated stock, lightly cleaned wood, scratched initials, and aged gray metal finish reflect its long service history. Although assembled with replacement components during its working life, it remains a well-preserved and unusually complete example of a late-production U.S. cavalry carbine.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1887
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.

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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.