Original Item: One of a Kind. This is a fantastic find and great opportunity to own a rifle with a very interesting history: An early production Springfield 1873 Trapdoor Rifle fitted with the clamp for a Metcalfe Cartridge Device. This early attempt at a "rapid loading device" for the Model 1873 Springfield originally consisted of the inlet stock, attaching clamp, and the wooden cartridge block, which unfortunately is not included with this offering. For more information, see THE .45-70 SPRINGFIELD by Albert J. Fresca and Robert H. Hill, which contains the complete information on LIEUTENANT, later CAPTAIN METCALFE'S CARTRIDGE BLOCK DEVISE. (See pages 49 to 60).

The device was a detachable wood block mounted on the right side of the rifle to hold 10 .45-70 cartridges that could be quickly accessed for this single shot rifle. Over four years the idea was developed using standard 1873 model rifles. Reading the text from the above book tells us that this rare device was not at all what it was hoped to be, and frankly was unpopular. Having manufactured some hundreds before the idea was shelved we learned that in 1956 a case of 506 Metcalfe device cartridge blocks that had been smashed were discovered in Francis Bannerman's New York City warehouse. There is a COMPLETE original example in the Springfield Armory Museum (See page 56), which bears serial number 31380, produced in mid 1874.

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 is the still intact Clamp on the right side of the stock for the Metcalfe Cartridge Device. It also has the correct early 1st pattern "long wrist" on the stock, and the early breech block with a "high arch" on the underside. 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:

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 very early trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, with low serial 45923, overall good metal finish. The serial number indicates production in approximately April 1876, per U.S. Government records. This was only the third full year of production for this famous long rifle. It looks to have seen a good amount of service, but aside from the later pattern ramrod without the jag on the end, it is still in the original issued configuration! It's very rare that see see rifles with such extensive service history!

The stock is the correct early pattern "long wrist" style, which was only used on Cadet Rifles after the first few years of production. The lock plate is at the level of the stock, so it has been worn down a bit from cleaning over the years, and now has a nice red brown color. It shows dings, dents, chips, and small gouges commensurate with long service, however there is no structural damage we can see.

The bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish showing strong lands and grooves. There is a bit of overall light fouling and oxidation, now cleaned away, as well as some wear, but it definitely looks to have been well cared for. The breech block moves correctly, and the extractor is still present, however it is stuck and will not spring out. The model 1873 rear sight works well, with no issues to note.

The both barrel bands are U marked, and the butt plate tang is marked with the correct U.S. stamp. Metal finish is a nice worn gray patina, with very minor peppering in places. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, and standard M1873 ladder sight. 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 is a first pattern lock plate with the early markings, and it still retains the early "Two Notch" tumbler!

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a VERY EARLY and interesting example of a classic U.S. issue firearm, with an intact Metcalfe cartridge device clamp. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1876
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.