{"product_id":"original-u-s-early-springfield-trapdoor-model-1873-rifle-made-in-1876-serial-no-70497","title":"Original U.S. Early Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Rifle made in 1876 - Serial No 70497","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One available. This is a very nice early example of the classic Springfield trapdoor rifle, with some features that were removed in the subsequent years. 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eU.S.\u003cbr\u003eMODEL\u003cbr\u003e1873\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber,\u003cspan\u003e with low s\u003c\/span\u003eerial \u003cstrong\u003e70497\u003c\/strong\u003e, overall good metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in 1876, only the fourth 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 the stock does not appear to have had any major repairs or damage. The stock is below the level of the lock plate, indicating it has been sanded down at least once at arsenal. This has unfortunately removed some of inspection cartouches, however it has the lovely deep red brown color that only cared for oiled walnut can achieve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe bore is in excellent condition, with clear lands and grooves, and a bright finish. \u003c\/span\u003eThe butt plate has some rack markings\u003cb\u003e,\u003c\/b\u003e and both barrel bands are \u003cstrong\u003eU\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. \/ SPRINGFIELD \/ 1873,\u003c\/strong\u003e manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts. Only the earliest locks have the 1873 date. Usually we see these on examples from 1873-75, however one must have been left over.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel:  \u003cstrong\u003eV\u003c\/strong\u003e over a \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e over an \u003cstrong\u003eeagle's head\u003c\/strong\u003e over another\u003cstrong\u003e P\u003c\/strong\u003e. A stylized \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e in a circle under the wrist of the stock indicates that the rifle passed all of its overpressure proof testing. The standard early type rear ramp sight is marked R on the left side and R on the sight leaf, indicating that it is for a rifle, and not a carbine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an excellent opportunity to pick up an EARLY and interesting example of a classic U.S. issue firearm. Ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"text\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"truncate_more\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1876\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .45-70 Government\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 32 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 52 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNote: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31292070789189,"sku":"ONSV5346","price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONSV5346__01.jpg?v=1594786066","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-early-springfield-trapdoor-model-1873-rifle-made-in-1876-serial-no-70497","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}