Original Item: Only One available. This is a well-preserved early example of the classic Springfield trapdoor rifle, with several features that were changed in the subsequent years. The most noticeable of these appearance wise are the early 1st pattern "stepped" M1873 rear sight and "long wrist" on the stock. This is 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. Though the full length rifles were not used by the Cavalry, this rifle was definitely in service during that time period. The breech block is marked:

In the years following, the stamping on the breech block was simplified, removing the Eagle and Arrows, and the block itself lost the "high arch" underneath, a hold over from pervious models of the trapdoor.

Offered in lovely honest used condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber. The serial number is #50030, which indicates production in approximately May 1875, per U.S. Government records. With production of the Model 1873 having started at the very end of September 1873, this is a second year of production example, and one of the few early trapdoors that we have had still in the original configuration as issued. This also means that it is definitely a "Pre-Custer" example, possibly seeing service in the conflicts with Native Americans.

We have had this example examined by several experts, and all the parts we can see are correct for second year production, though it does show signs of having parts refinished at arsenal. It has the correct early lock plate, which is still fitted with the original "Two notch" tumbler, which could potentially slip out from the thumb and hit the firing pin while moving to half cock. The upper barrel band has both a sling swivel and stacking swivel, a change made during 1874. The rifle shows an overall very nice metal finish, showing a lovely blued finish on the barrel, with a worn plum patina on the breech block and receiver. There is wear on most of the fittings, interspersed with the original blued finish.

The stock is the correct early pattern "long wrist" style, which was only used on Cadet Rifles after the first few years of production. There are some small dents and scratches in the wood, as expected on a rifle this age, and the stock does not appear to have had any major repairs, though it is now below the level of the lock plate, so past cleaning has removed wood from the wrist and lock area. The stock has the lovely deep red brown color that only cared for oiled walnut can achieve, and it shows wear from service such as the expected dents, dings, and scratches. We checked the left side of the stock just below the lock screws, and the original inspection cartouche is worn away. There is some "flame" style figuring on the left side of the stock, which is quite attractive.

The bore is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is some wear to the lands, but little evidence of past fouling or oxidation that took hold. It looks like it saw use in service, but was very well cared for. The breech block has an intact freely moving firing pin and moves correctly, and the latch is fully functional. The extractor and ejector are also still present and functional, though we have not tested the action with real brass. The first model 1873 stepped rear sight works great, with no deficiencies to note. We checked the cleaning rod, and it has the correct "Enfield-style" head, with the ribbed texture retained on the other end.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. Metal finish is a nice lightly blued overall, with some evidence of possible past refinishing. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, standard M1873 stepped sliding sight, and the correct first pattern cleaning rod. The lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / 1873, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts. This marking only appears on the earliest of Trapdoors, and later they removed the date. The lock is fully functional, and still retains the original "Two Notch" tumbler.

There is a faint remnant of the P in a circle under the wrist of the stock indicating that the rifle passed all of its overpressure proof testing. The breech end of the barrel has small V / P / Eagle's Head proofs, which were made larger on later produced Trapdoors. The rear sight on this example is the correct very early 1st pattern, and does not have ramped profile of the later ladder sight, or the "R" Marking.

This early-production Springfield Model 1873 rifle retains a notable group of early features, including the high-arch breech block with eagle and crossed-arrows marking, 1873-dated lock with two-notch tumbler, long-wrist stock, first-pattern stepped rear sight, and early-pattern cleaning rod. The action remains functional, with an intact firing pin, working latch, extractor, and ejector, while the bore is mostly bright with clear rifling and only moderate land wear. The stock shows service wear and substantial past cleaning around the lock and wrist, and its inspection cartouche is no longer visible. The metal also shows evidence of possible arsenal or later refinishing, with blued surfaces and a plum-toned patina on the receiver and breech block. Despite these condition considerations, Serial No. 50030 remains a well-preserved second-year example displaying many of the distinctive features associated with the earliest Model 1873 rifles.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: May 1875
Maker: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield
Model: 1873 Trapdoor
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 52 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 not 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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.