Original Item: Only One available. This is a VERY early example of the classic Springfield trapdoor rifle, probably the earliest we have EVER HAD, with several features that were changed in the subsequent years. The most noticeable of these appearance wise are the early 1st pattern "stepped" M1873 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:

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 lovely honest used condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber. The serial number is #8759, which indicates production in approximately March 1874, per U.S. Government records. With production of the Model 1873 having started at the very end of September 1873, this is a FIRST YEAR OF PRODUCTION example, and one of the few early trapdoors that we had that was made in the original configuration. This also means that it is definitely a "Pre-Custer" example, possibly seeing service in the conflicts with Native Americans.

We have had this example examined by several experts, and all the parts we can see are correct for first year production, though it does show signs of having parts refinished at arsenal. It has the correct early lock plate, which is still fitted with the original "Two notch" tumbler, which could potentially slip out from the thumb and hit the firing pin while moving to half cock. It also has the correct upper barrel band with only a sling swivel and no stacking swivel.

The rifle shows an overall very nice metal finish, showing a lovely matured plum patina on the barrel, while the barrel bands look to have been reblued at arsenal. The receiver and breech block shows  mottled patina with some signs of past peppering, and we were not able to see any of the original case coloring. 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, and the stock does not appear to have had any major repairs. The stock is still partly proud over the level of the lock plate, indicating that it has not seen any arsenal reconditioning or major cleaning. The stock has the lovely deep red brown color that only cared for oiled walnut can achieve, though it does show wear from service such as the expected dents, dings, and scratches. We checked the left side of the stock just below the lock screws, and there is still a faint partial oval ESA inspection cartouche.

The bore is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is some wear to the lands, as well as some past fouling and oxidation in the grooves, now cleaned away. It looks like it saw use in service, but was relatively well cared for. The extractor is present and functions correctly, and the ejector is still present on the floor of the breech, though we have not tested them with real brass. The first model 1873 rear sight works great, with no deficiencies to note.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. Metal finish is a nice lightly worn aged patina overall, with some evidence of past oxidation. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels, standard M1873 sliding sight, and the correct first pattern ramrod. The 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 marking only appears on the earliest of Trapdoors, and later they removed the date. The lock is fully functional, and still retains the original "Two Notch" tumbler.

The faint 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 stylized P in a circle under the wrist of the stock indicates that the rifle passed all of its overpressure proof testing. Early examples such as this do not look to have had the numerous proof marks stamped on the barrel as with later production rifles, and this just has a letter L. 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 FIRST YEAR OF PRODUCTION example of a classic U.S. issue firearm, still in the original configuration and in lovely honest used condition. Ready to display!

Specifications-

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

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.