{"product_id":"original-u-s-early-springfield-trapdoor-model-1873-saddle-ring-carbine-with-long-wrist-serial-25007-made-in-1874","title":"Original U.S. Early Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Saddle Ring Carbine with \"Long Wrist\" serial 25007 - made in 1874","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One available. This is a VERY early example of the classic Springfield trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine, with some features that were removed in the subsequent years. This was the weapon used by the troopers of the 7th Cavalry that met their fate at the Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876, and this weapon was produced before that time! While we doubt that it was at that battle, a collector at some time did attach a 7th Cavalry brass insignia to the right side of the butt stock, which looks to be original, but definitely not original to the gun, as they did not add markings or insignia like that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe breech block is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMODEL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1873\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(EAGLE)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(CROSSED ARROWS)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are the early pattern markings, and the block has the correct \"High Arch\" underneath. In the years following, the stamping on the breech block was simplified, and the arch made lower. Another big change was the addition of a cleaning rod channel to the stock, as after Little Bighorn the U.S. Army concluded that access to cleaning rods during the battle would have been advantageous for removing lodged shell casings. This necessitated a sturdier stock with a shorter and thicker wrist, however this carbine still has the original \"Long Wrist\" stock.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, complete with its original Saddle Ring and Bar on the left hand side of the wood stock. The serial number is \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e25007\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, which indicates production in approximately June 1874, per U.S. Government records. Production only started in September 1873, so this was made during the first year of production! There are no cartouches remaining on the stock, due to overall wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom what we can tell, this carbine was returned to arsenal at some point, and the original \"2 notch\" tumbler on the lock replaced with the later 3 notch type. Everything else however was left correct. It still has the original M1873 Carbine rear sight, numbered 1 to 5 on the right side, with numbered up to 12 on the sight ladder (rifles went 1 to 4 and up to 11 on the ladder). The carbine has an overall very good metal finish, showing a great plum patina in most areas. The stock is in very good condition, with a lovely color. It does show some wear, but does not appear to have been refurbished at any time. The stock is still proud over the lock plate in many areas, so there is definitely minimal wood missing. The stock is however a bit dark from use.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bore is in good condition, still showing strong lands and grooves, however there is also a lot of oxidation and fouling in the bore, which we were not able to remove easily. Lead and powder fouling are unfortunately quite resistant to the usual mechanical cleaning methods we use. The breech block moves correctly, and the extractor is still present and functional, though we have not tested it with real brass. The saddle ring bar is still present, with the correct saddle ring present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe butt plate is marked \u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e and the front band is \u003cstrong\u003eU\u003c\/strong\u003e marked. The metalwork has been worn to a lovely faded blue patina overall, with a mottled patina on the breech block and receiver, which were originally case hardened. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and fully functional carbine M1873 rear ladder sight. Lock is marked with an eagle and \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. \/ SPRINGFIELD \/ 1873\u003c\/strong\u003e, manufactured at the \u003cem\u003eUnited States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield\u003c\/em\u003e, in Springfield, Massachusetts. This is the early pattern lock plate, but it was retrofitted with a 3 notch tumbler at arsenal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an excellent opportunity to pick up a very early example of a legendary U.S. issue firearm. Ready to display!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1874\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .45-70 Government\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 22 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 41 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40564892106821,"sku":"ONJR23MAB008","price":1795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONJR23MAB008__01.jpg?v=1682130089","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-early-springfield-trapdoor-model-1873-saddle-ring-carbine-with-long-wrist-serial-25007-made-in-1874","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}