Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptionally scarce and highly desirable U.S. Model 1873 Trapdoor Springfield socket bayonet complete with an original U.S. Navy scabbard, identified by the distinctive U.S.N. rosette on the frog assembly. The bayonet itself is the standard triangular socket pattern adapted for use with the smaller diameter barrel of the .45-70 Springfield Trapdoor rifle, while the naval marked scabbard is the feature that makes this example especially difficult to find. Both bayonet and scabbard remain unrefinished and show honest service wear, oxidation, and age while retaining a very strong overall appearance.

The Model 1873 Springfield “Trapdoor” was the first standard issue breechloading rifle adopted by the United States Army as a newly manufactured arm rather than simply as a muzzleloading conversion.

The design evolved from Erskine S. Allin’s earlier post Civil War attempts to convert large numbers of .58 caliber rifle muskets into metallic cartridge breechloaders.

By the time the Model 1873 was adopted, the system had matured into a purpose built .45-70 Government rifle with a hinged breechblock that lifted upward like a trapdoor.

The full length infantry rifle used a barrel measuring approximately:

32 5/8 inches

while the cavalry carbine used a much shorter:

22 inch

barrel.

Both were chambered for the new:

.45-70 Government

cartridge.

The Trapdoor Springfield became one of the defining American military rifles of the Indian Wars period.

In carbine form, it was famously carried by the 7th Cavalry at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876, while rifle versions served extensively with infantry units across the western frontier.

Because the .45 caliber Trapdoor barrel was smaller in diameter than the .58 caliber rifle muskets it replaced, the socket dimensions of the older bayonet pattern had to be altered.

Otherwise, the basic bayonet form remained familiar.

This example features a standard socket designed to pass over the muzzle and engage the front sight, with the locking ring rotating into position to secure the bayonet.

The ring still moves easily and retains its correct securing screw.

The blade is the familiar:

triangular hollow ground pattern

measuring:

18 inches

in length.

The bayonet is marked on the ricasso:

U S / S

The exact significance of the additional S should be preserved as part of the marking rather than overinterpreted without further documentation.

The steel surface shows extensive age and service wear.

There is scattered old pitting and oxidation across the blade and socket.

The metal has not been refinished, allowing the original aged surface and patina to remain intact.

Despite the wear, the bayonet remains structurally sound and the locking mechanism functions correctly.

The especially important component is the accompanying:

original steel scabbard

The scabbard measures:

18 3/8"

and is fitted with an attached second pattern leather belt frog.

The steel body remains in very good overall condition.

There is scattered rust speckling and oxidation, but no significant dents, bends, or structural damage are noted.

The finish has not been restored.

The leather frog also remains present.

It shows age related cracking and flaking to the black surface finish but is still in good overall condition.

Most importantly, the frog carries a brass attachment hook fitted to a distinctive:

U.S.N. rosette hinge

The rosette is somewhat crude in appearance, but the marking clearly identifies the scabbard assembly with U.S. Navy use.

That naval association is what elevates this set well beyond the much more commonly encountered standard Army Trapdoor bayonet and scabbard combinations.

Naval examples survive in much smaller numbers, and original scabbards with intact U.S.N. marked fittings are particularly difficult to locate.

The bayonet therefore represents an unusual intersection of the standard U.S. Army Trapdoor weapon system with late 19th century U.S. Navy equipment.

While the Trapdoor Springfield is overwhelmingly associated with the Army and western frontier service, socket bayonets and scabbards were also adapted for naval requirements.

The scabbard on this example provides the clearest evidence of that naval connection.

No specific ship, sailor, station, or campaign provenance accompanies the set, so it should be described as a U.S. Navy issue configuration rather than attributed to a particular vessel or service episode.

The overall condition is very appealing for a service used late 19th century bayonet.

The bayonet shows honest oxidation, pitting, and wear without evidence of aggressive refinishing.

The locking ring functions smoothly and retains its securing screw.

The steel scabbard is straight and largely free of structural damage.

The leather frog remains intact despite cracking and finish loss.

The U.S.N. rosette and brass hook remain the strongest collector features of the set.

For the advanced collector, this is a much more difficult piece than a standard Trapdoor socket bayonet. The combination of the U S / S marked bayonet, functional locking ring, original unrefinished surfaces, scarce steel scabbard, second pattern leather frog, brass hook, and distinctive U.S.N. rosette makes it an especially desirable example of Indian Wars era American edged weapon equipment.

It would make an excellent addition to a Springfield Trapdoor, Indian Wars, U.S. Navy, late 19th century American bayonet, socket bayonet, or advanced U.S. military edged weapons collection.

Specifications:

Blade Length: 18"
Blade Style: Triangular
Overall Length: 21“
Scabbard Length: 18 3/8"