Item Description
Original Items: Only One Set Available. Just recently purchased this rig from a local VFW! For some reason the Krag Rifle Ammunition belt was paired with the M1873 Trapdoor socket bayonet, and was done so more than likely for display purposes even though the Trapdoor was used during the Spanish-American war, we still believe this was done for display purposes.
The model 1873 "Trapdoor" Springfield was the first standard-issue breech-loading rifle adopted by the United States Army. The gun, in both full-length and carbine versions, was widely used in subsequent battles against the American Indians. It was the weapon used, in its carbine form, by the troopers of the 7th Cavalry that met their fate at the Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876.
The model 1873 was the fifth variation of the Allin trapdoor design, which was originally developed by Erskine S. Allin to convert Springfield model 1861 and 1863 rifled muskets into breech-loading cartridge firearms. The rifle was named for its hinged breechblock, which opened like a trapdoor. The infantry rifle model featured a 325⁄8-inch (829 mm) barrel, while the cavalry carbine used a 22-inch (560 mm) barrel. Both were chambered for the new .45-70 "Government" cartridge.
As the barrel was slightly less wide than the rifled muskets it replaced, the design of the current bayonet required alteration of the socket. Aside from this, the bayonet design was identical to the Rifled Musket version. It consists of a standard socket, which locks over the barrel and front sight, and has an attached 18 inch long triangular hollow-ground blade.
This example is really in good condition though it does show signs of extensive use and wear. The bayonet itself was expertly refinished at one point and is in very good condition.
The bayonet comes complete with its original steel scabbard, with attached belt frog. The scabbard is in great shape, with with most of the original finish on the metal present, with some small areas of oxidation. The leather frog is in very good shape, with minor cracking in the black finish, and has a very nice leather belt loop attached by the U.S. rosette hinge. The leather even still has inspector stamp visible!
The belt is a very nicely woven Spanish American War 45 round ammo belt, for the new M1892 Krag-Jørgensen Service Rifle. The design is essentially an adaptation of the earlier belt for the .45-70 government cartridges used by the Springfield Trapdoor rifle.
The belt does not have a "buckle", but instead a large split loop, which is used to fasten the two ends of the belt together. All brass has a lovely aged patina. All woven cartridge loops are intact and in very good shape. There are no markings that we can find unfortunately. We do believe this to be a Mills produced one but without a stamp or markings there’s no way to be 100 percent positive.
An excellent condition U.S. Trapdoor socket bayonet, complete with original scabbard and Krag ammunition belt.
Ready to fit to your Springfield 1873 Trapdoor Rifle!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 18"
Blade Style: Triangular
Overall length: 21“
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