{"product_id":"original-u-s-indian-wars-springfield-m1873-trapdoor-rifle-socket-bayonet-with-extremely-scarce-u-s-navy-u-s-n-scabbard","title":"Original U.S. Indian Wars Springfield M1873 Trapdoor Rifle Socket Bayonet with Extremely Scarce U.S. Navy U.S.N. Scabbard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptionally scarce and highly desirable \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. Model 1873 Trapdoor Springfield socket bayonet complete with an original U.S. Navy scabbard\u003c\/strong\u003e, identified by the distinctive \u003cstrong\u003eU.S.N. rosette\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe full length infantry rifle used a barrel measuring approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e32 5\/8 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewhile the cavalry carbine used a much shorter:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e22 inch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ebarrel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth were chambered for the new:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e.45-70 Government\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ecartridge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Trapdoor Springfield became one of the defining American military rifles of the Indian Wars period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOtherwise, the basic bayonet form remained familiar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ring still moves easily and retains its correct securing screw.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade is the familiar:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003etriangular hollow ground pattern\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003emeasuring:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e18 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ein length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bayonet is marked on the ricasso:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU S \/ S\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe exact significance of the additional \u003cstrong\u003eS\u003c\/strong\u003e should be preserved as part of the marking rather than overinterpreted without further documentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe steel surface shows extensive age and service wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is scattered old pitting and oxidation across the blade and socket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe metal has not been refinished, allowing the original aged surface and patina to remain intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite the wear, the bayonet remains structurally sound and the locking mechanism functions correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe especially important component is the accompanying:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eoriginal steel scabbard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scabbard measures:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e18 3\/8\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eand is fitted with an attached second pattern leather belt frog.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe steel body remains in very good overall condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is scattered rust speckling and oxidation, but no significant dents, bends, or structural damage are noted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe finish has not been restored.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leather frog also remains present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt shows age related cracking and flaking to the black surface finish but is still in good overall condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost importantly, the frog carries a brass attachment hook fitted to a distinctive:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU.S.N. rosette hinge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rosette is somewhat crude in appearance, but the marking clearly identifies the scabbard assembly with U.S. Navy use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat naval association is what elevates this set well beyond the much more commonly encountered standard Army Trapdoor bayonet and scabbard combinations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNaval examples survive in much smaller numbers, and original scabbards with intact U.S.N. marked fittings are particularly difficult to locate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bayonet therefore represents an unusual intersection of the standard U.S. Army Trapdoor weapon system with late 19th century U.S. Navy equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the Trapdoor Springfield is overwhelmingly associated with the Army and western frontier service, socket bayonets and scabbards were also adapted for naval requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scabbard on this example provides the clearest evidence of that naval connection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe overall condition is very appealing for a service used late 19th century bayonet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bayonet shows honest oxidation, pitting, and wear without evidence of aggressive refinishing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe locking ring functions smoothly and retains its securing screw.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe steel scabbard is straight and largely free of structural damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leather frog remains intact despite cracking and finish loss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eU.S.N. rosette and brass hook\u003c\/strong\u003e remain the strongest collector features of the set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the advanced collector, this is a much more difficult piece than a standard Trapdoor socket bayonet. The combination of the \u003cstrong\u003eU 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\u003c\/strong\u003e makes it an especially desirable example of Indian Wars era American edged weapon equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt would make an excellent addition to a \u003cstrong\u003eSpringfield Trapdoor, Indian Wars, U.S. Navy, late 19th century American bayonet, socket bayonet, or advanced U.S. military edged weapons collection\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlade Length: 18\"\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Triangular\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 21“\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 18 3\/8\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44850759630917,"sku":"ONJR26MAAC032","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/1F8B1E08-4EFE-461C-BACD-3A5733C13DE4.jpg?v=1775512856","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-indian-wars-springfield-m1873-trapdoor-rifle-socket-bayonet-with-extremely-scarce-u-s-navy-u-s-n-scabbard","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}