Original Item: Only One available. This is a very nice example of the classic Springfield trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine, the weapon used by the troopers of the 7th Cavalry that met their fate at the Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876. The breech block is marked:

Offered in very good used 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 481655, indicates production in approximately January 1890, per U.S. Government records. We checked the stock, and while we can still see a partial SWP cartouche, we cannot see what the date says, as the stock was cracked and repaired in that area long ago. The carbine has an overall very nice metal finish, with all proofs still present, and shows some of the original bluing in areas, while other areas are worn.

The stock is in good condition, with a lovely color, however it is now below the level of the stock, indicating that wood has been removed, most likely when the crack through the wrist was repaired. There are dents, scratches, staining, and other signs of age and use. We also noted that the area around the butt plate tang shows a possible repair, and the butt plate is not close up against the wood.

The bore is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There does not look to be much wear, and there is a bit of fouling and oxidation near the muzzle. The breech block has an intact freely moving firing pin and moves correctly, with the extractor and ejector both still present and functional, though we have not tested them with real brass. The saddle ring bar is still present, with the correct saddle ring present. It has the correct butt stock storage compartment for the cleaning rod, which in this case still retains a three piece cleaning rod and ruptured casing extractor!

The butt plate is marked U.S. with the front band U marked, as is correct, and the metalwork overall shows worn plum patina from years of use and cleaning. 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 rear sight works correctly, with the range adjustable, though it does not move to the side for the windage. There has been a sight protector fitted over the front sight.

The elegant script SWP belongs to Samuel W. Porter, who was the Master Armorer and Chief Inspector of Springfield Armory from 15 September 1879 to 18 June 1894. A faint stylized P in a circle under the wrist of the stock indicates that the carbine passed all of its overpressure proof testing. Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel, which are still clear: an A over the chamber, as well as a V over a P over an Eagle's head over another P on the left side just above the stock. 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 carbine and not a rifle.

With its correct saddle ring and bar, carbine marked Model 1879 rear sight, Springfield lock markings, partial “SWP” inspection cartouche, and butt stock compartment containing the three piece cleaning rod and ruptured cartridge extractor, this Model 1873 Trapdoor Carbine retains many of the features collectors look for in an original cavalry arm. The mostly bright bore, functional breech mechanism, surviving proofs, and traces of original blue finish add considerably to its appeal, while the repaired wrist, removed stock wood, possible repair near the butt plate, and worn plum patina honestly reflect its long service life. Produced around 1890, this example represents the later service history of the classic U.S. cavalry trapdoor and would display particularly well in an Indian Wars, Springfield Armory, U.S. cavalry, or antique American military firearms collection.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1890
Maker: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield
Model: 1873 Trapdoor Carbine
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
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 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.