Item Description
Original Item: Only One available. This is a VERY early example of the classic Springfield trapdoor rifle, with some features that were removed in the subsequent years. The most noticeable of these are the early 1st pattern "stepped" rear sight and "long wrist" on the stock. This is 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:
MODEL
1873
(EAGLE)
(CROSSED ARROWS)
U.S.
In the years following, the stamping on the breech block was simplified, removing the Eagle and Arrows, and the block itself lost the "high arch" underneath.
Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, with low serial 20921, overall good metal finish with most proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in 1874, only the second year of production for this famous long rifle. This also means that it is definitely a "Pre-Custer" example, possibly seeing service in the conflicts with Native Americans.
The stock is the correct early pattern "long wrist" style, which was only used on Cadet Rifles after the first few years of production. There are some small dents and scratches in the wood, as expected on a rifle this age, but the stock does not appear to have had any major repairs, though there is a crack on the left side next to the receiver. The stock is only partly proud over the lock plate, indicating it has been worn down or arsenal reconditioned during its long life. It still has visible cartouches on the left side of the stock by the lock screws, including an ESA inspection cartouche. The stock has the lovely deep red brown color that only cared for oiled walnut can achieve.
The bore is in excellent lightly used condition, with clear lands and grooves, and a mostly bright finish. There is just a bit of light haze in areas. The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. Metal finish is a nice lightly worn gray color, with very minor peppering in places. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, standard sliding sight, and standard early pattern ramrod.
The lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / 1873, manufactured by Springfield Armory, 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. The ejector is present and fully functional, though we have not tested it on spent brass.
The elegant script ESA cartouche belongs to 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.
A very faint stylized P in a circle under the wrist of the stock indicates that the rifle passed all of its overpressure proof testing. There is also N J stamped on the left side of the receiver trunion, most likely indicating issue in New Jersey. The rear sight on this example is the correct very early 1st pattern, and does not have ramped profile of the later ladder sight, or the "R" Marking.
This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a VERY EARLY and interesting example of a classic U.S. issue firearm, in original unmessed with condition. Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1874
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 Inches
Overall Length: 52 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.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
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.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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