Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very appealing early U.S. Springfield Model 1873 .45-70 saddle ring carbine, serial number 40347, manufactured in early 1875 during the Indian Wars and more than a year before the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Falling within the broad early serial range commonly described by collectors as the "Custer range," this carbine dates from the same era as the Model 1873 carbines issued to U.S. cavalry units including the 7th Cavalry. It has clearly seen a long service life and appears to have subsequently passed through an arsenal update program, leaving it in the later configuration incorporating Model 1877 features. Its early receiver, saddle ring and bar, strong markings, attractive service patina, and very good bore make it a particularly interesting example of one of the defining American cavalry arms of the western frontier.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The Model 1873 Trapdoor carbine became one of the defining U.S. cavalry arms of the Indian Wars. The 7th Cavalry received Model 1873 carbines before the June 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn, and carbines in the broad early serial range below approximately 43,700 are described by collectors as “Custer era” or “Custer range” arms. Serial number alone, however, does not establish issuance to the 7th Cavalry or participation in the battle, and no documentation accompanies this carbine tying serial number 40347 to that regiment.

The serial number:

40347

places production in approximately February 1875, based on surviving Springfield Arsenal production records. This was more than a year before the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

The breech block is marked:

U.S.
MODEL
1873

The breech block retains its firing pin and return spring, and the latch functions correctly in its present condition.

The lock plate is marked with an eagle and:

U.S.
SPRINGFIELD

indicating manufacture at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts. The lock has the later pattern three-notch tumbler, and is fully functional. The tumbler holds and releases as expected during inspection. These observations describe only the current mechanical condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the carbine is safe to load or fire.

The breech is marked with later pattern proof marks:

V
P
Eagle Head
P

The rear sight is the a Model 1877 type, with a "ramp" style adjustment, but featuring the same type of slider used on the earlier "stepped" Model 1873 type. It is marked with a C on the left side to indicate that the sight graduations from 1 to 6 are for a carbine and not a rifle. The sight leaf has additional graduations up to 1200 yards.

The saddle ring bar remains mounted on the left side of the stock and retains its original ring.

The the "short wrist" 1877 pattern stock is completely correct, and has the correct butt plate with a door covering the inlet for the cleaning rod and clearing tool. It has a lovely red brown color associated with oiled and aged walnut, and is at or slightly above the level of the lock plate, indicating the stock has not excessively been worn down. It shows the expected dents and dings from service, but no major damage such as cracks or repairs.

The exterior metal has a very good appearance with evidence of earlier service, oxidation, peppering, and cleaning beneath the present condition. The markings are still well retained, and while the barrel and receiver have an aged patina, the lock, breech block, and rear sight still retained strong bluing.

The bore is in very good condition with a mostly bright finish showing crisp lands and grooves. There is some light wear evident, as well as some areas of fouled oxidation, but for an early carbine that saw this much service, it is definitely in great shape.

The firing pin moves correctly and returns under spring pressure. The breech latch, extractor, and ejector are all present and operate during manual inspection, though the action was not tested with live or empty cartridge cases.

With its early 40347 serial number, 1875 manufacture, desirable "Custer range" production period, original saddle ring and bar, later arsenal updated Model 1877 features, strong Springfield markings, attractive walnut stock, substantial surviving blue, and very good bore, this is an especially interesting Indian Wars Springfield carbine. Although there is no documentation establishing individual 7th Cavalry issue, it comes from the same early generation of Model 1873 carbines forever associated with the mounted U.S. Army on the western frontier. It would be an excellent addition to an advanced Trapdoor collection, an Indian Wars cavalry display, or a collection centered on the arms of the Little Bighorn era.

Custer Serial Range:
U.S. Ordinance Dept. records indicate the 7th Cav. received approximately 1,000 Model 1873 Trapdoor carbines in the serial number ranges of 17400-18400, and 21000-21600, and 32700-36400 and with some into the 42200 range. According to those records, carbines that fall within the 32700-36400 group were issued to Companies C, D, I, and K of the 7th Cav. Of the thousand carbines issued to the 7th Cav., 250 of them were in the 33,000-43,000 range, such as this example. The records of the area are all handwritten and not complete, resulting in numerous different estimated ranges.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1875
Maker: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield
Model: 1873 Trapdoor Carbine
Serial No.: 40347
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Overall Length: 41 1/8 Inches
Action type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.
Feed System: Single Shot
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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 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, 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.