Original U.S. Early Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor Rifle Made in March 1874 with Scarce Long Wrist Stock, First Pattern Stepped Rear Sight, and Original Cleaning Rod - Serial No. 8468

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptionally early example of the iconic U.S. Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor Rifle and quite possibly the earliest we have ever offered. Manufactured in March 1874, it is a true first-year production rifle retaining an impressive number of features found only on the earliest examples before Springfield Armory introduced a series of improvements over the following years.

Among the most desirable of these early characteristics are the scarce long wrist stock, the distinctive first pattern stepped Model 1873 rear sight, the original cleaning rod, the early high arch breech block, and the original two-notch tumbler lock. Rifles retaining this combination of first-year features are becoming increasingly difficult to find, particularly examples that have escaped later arsenal updates.

The Springfield Model 1873 marked the beginning of America's famous "Trapdoor" series of military rifles and would remain the standard U.S. service rifle for nearly two decades. Chambered for the new .45-70 Government cartridge, it saw extensive service throughout the Indian Wars and accompanied the U.S. Army during westward expansion. Most famously, the Model 1873 Carbine variant was carried by many troopers of the 7th Cavalry during the Battle of the Little Bighorn in June 1876.

The breech block is correctly marked:

MODEL
1873
(Eagle)
(Crossed Arrows)
U.S.

These elaborate markings are found only on the earliest production rifles. Later Springfield production simplified the breech block markings, eliminating both the eagle and crossed arrows, while also replacing the early "high arch" breech block with the more familiar later pattern.

Serial number 8468 dates production to approximately March 1874, according to U.S. Government production records. Since manufacture of the Model 1873 only began during the closing months of 1873, this represents an exceptionally early production rifle. It is also unquestionably a Pre-Custer example and may well have seen service during the Indian Wars before later improvements were introduced.

This rifle has been examined by several advanced Springfield collectors and all visible components appear correct for first-year production. While some metal components appear to have received an arsenal refinish during their service life, the rifle has fortunately avoided the extensive upgrades commonly encountered on early Trapdoors.

The lock is the correct first-year pattern and still retains its original two-notch tumbler. This early design was later abandoned after it was discovered that the hammer could occasionally slip while being lowered to half cock and strike the firing pin. Consequently, surviving rifles retaining this original tumbler are considerably scarcer today.

The upper barrel band is likewise the proper early pattern, fitted only with a sling swivel and lacking the stacking swivel found on later production.

The barrel has developed an attractive matured plum-brown patina with scattered areas of light peppering along the upper surface, while traces of the original blue remain visible beneath the wood line. The barrel bands and smaller components appear to retain their original military finish, while the receiver and breech block exhibit what appears to be an old arsenal reblue, replacing the vivid case colors originally applied at Springfield.

The stock is the highly desirable early long wrist pattern. This stock design was only used on standard infantry rifles during the earliest period of production before being discontinued, later surviving only on Cadet Rifles. It remains in very solid condition, displaying the expected dents, handling marks, and scratches accumulated through military service. There is no evidence of any major repairs or structural damage.

The stock has clearly been lightly cleaned and refinished at some point during its long history, leaving the wood slightly below the level of the lock plate, a characteristic often encountered on arsenal-cleaned examples. The finish has aged beautifully, displaying an attractive light brown color with subtle orange tones.

Unfortunately, no inspector's cartouches remain visible on the left side of the stock beneath the lock screws.

One of the highlights of this rifle is its exceptional bore.

The bore remains in excellent condition with a bright finish and strong, well-defined lands and grooves. There is only slight wear to the tops of the lands together with minor evidence of previous fouling that has long since been cleaned away. It clearly saw relatively limited service and was carefully maintained throughout its military life, an important consideration with black powder firearms of this period.

The early high arch breech block remains in outstanding condition with its original firing pin and fully functional breech latch. The extractor functions correctly, and the ejector remains present within the receiver floor, although neither has been tested using live cartridge cases.

The scarce first pattern stepped rear sight remains fully functional and is another feature seldom encountered today, as many early rifles were upgraded with later sight patterns during arsenal service.

Additional correct markings include the U.S. stamped butt plate and U inspection marks on both barrel bands.

The lock plate bears the desirable early marking:

(Eagle)
U.S.
SPRINGFIELD
1873

Unlike later production locks, which omitted the manufacturing date, this marking appears only on the earliest Trapdoor rifles and is another excellent indicator of this rifle's first-year production.

A circled P proof mark remains stamped beneath the wrist of the stock, indicating successful completion of Springfield's proof firing procedures. Early rifles such as this generally lack the numerous additional proof markings found on later production barrels, and no additional barrel proofs are visible.

The combination of first-year production, original configuration, scarce early features, exceptional bore, and overall originality makes this one of the finest early Springfield Model 1873 rifles we have encountered.

A wonderful opportunity to acquire an exceptionally early example of one of America's most important military firearms and a centerpiece-worthy addition to any advanced U.S. martial arms collection.

Ready for further research and display.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: March 1874
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 52 Inches
Action: 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.