Original U.S. Early Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Rifle made in 1874 with Bayonet & Sling - Serial No 316918
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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. It comes complete with an original bayonet, steel scabbard with an integral leather & brass frog, and an original 1907 pattern leather sling. 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, 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 316918, 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. There are some small dents and scratches in the wood, as expected on a rifle this age, but no catastrophic repairs or damage. There are repairs on both sides of the barrel tang however. The stock is completely beneath the level of the lock plate, indicating it has been worn down and refinished during its long life. This has unfortunately left only one partial ESA inspection cartouche, however it has the lovely deep red brown color that only cared for oiled walnut can achieve.
The bore is in excellent condition, with clear lands and grooves and a bright finish. 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. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD,, manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts. The ejector is present and fully functional, though we have not tested it with spent brass. The rear sight works as well, though one of the internal components is missing, and it wobbles from side to side.
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.
Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a capital A on top; and a V over a P over an Eagle's head over another P on the left side just above the stock. The side of the sight ramp and the ladder are both marked R, indicating that it is for a rifle and not a carbine.
The bayonet is the classic 1873 style triangular socket bayonet, and has retained the original blue finish quite nicely. There are some minor areas of rust spotting, which we have left intact to preserve the patina. It comes in its original steel scabbard, complete with a leather frog and swivel brass belt hook, which is marked US on the hinge rosette. The included sling is a 1907 Pattern, probably fitted when this rifle had left front line service, and was being used by national guard and militia units.
This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a VERY EARLY and interesting example of a classic U.S. issue firearm, complete with a bayonet & sling. 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 no able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". 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.
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