Original Item: Only One available. This is a VERY early example of the classic Springfield trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine, which looks to have seen long service and arsenal reconditioning. 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 example was produced before that battle! It even has a serial number within the "Custer Range", meaning it is possible that this particular Carbine was issued to the 7th Cavalry. 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, 21000-21600, and 32700-36400, with some into the 42200 range.

While it is in the range, there is unfortunately no way to definitively tell if it had been issued to the 7th Cavalry, as records from the era are quite incomplete. The configuration is quite a bit different than when originally issued as well. The breech block was replaced at some point, and is marked:

Offered 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 35695, which indicates production in approximately January 1875, per U.S. Government records. The carbine has an overall very good metal finish, showing some past peppering and very probable arsenal reconditioning.

As originally issued, this carbine would have had an early breech block marked with crossed arrows and a "high arch" underneath, and would have also had an 1873 dated lock plate with a 2-notch tumbler. It additionally would have had a Model 1873 first pattern sight. All of these characteristics are no longer present, and it has a standard lock plate, 3-notch tumbler, M1879 Rear Sight, and a Model 1884 breech block. The trapdoor rifles and carbines were in service for years after being obsoleted, so examples like this are fairly common, and present some great opportunities for further research.

The stock is in very good condition, with a lovely color, and is still mostly proud over the level of the lock plate. We cannot see any traces of stock cartouches or other markings on the stock, which we believe was replaced at arsenal, possibly at the state level, in the late 19th century. It has a lovely red brown walnut color with some great grain, showing only light denting and minor wear from use.

The bore is in very good condition, showing showing a bright finish with strong lands and grooves. There is some wear to the lands, and we can see that there was very light oxidation and fouling in the past, later cleaned away. It looks to have only seen light use during its long service life. 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. It has the door for a storage compartment on the butt plate, however the butt stock was never drilled out for one.

The butt plate is faintly marked U.S. and the front band is U marked. The metalwork is in very nice condition for the most part, though the butt plate does show past peppering particularly on the tang portion. The barre shows light overall past oxidation, now cleaned away, and we are not able to see any proofs near the chamber, which seems to be correct for very early Trapdoors. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and a working carbine M1879 rear ladder sight. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts. The upper right corner of the M1879 standard sliding sight leaf and the left side of the ramp are marked C to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a very interesting example of a legendary U.S. issue firearm with some great research potential. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1875
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Overall Length: 41 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 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.