Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor saddle ring carbine in .45-70 Government, serial number 137247, manufactured approximately October 1880. It retains its original saddle ring and sliding bar, Model 1879 carbine rear sight, and, most notably, the complete three-piece cleaning rod and ruptured shell extractor stored in the butt trap. The carbine has a well matured service used appearance with an honest mottled gray patina, very good original walnut stock, clear inspection markings, and a good bore with strong rifling.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The Springfield Trapdoor carbine was the standard single shot cavalry arm of the U.S. Army during the Indian Wars era. Earlier Model 1873 carbines were famously carried by elements of the 7th Cavalry at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876. This particular carbine was manufactured several years later, in 1880, and no connection to that battle is implied.

The breech block is correctly marked:

U.S.
MODEL
1873

The receiver is serial numbered on the rear:

137247

which places production at approximately October 1880.

The carbine is fitted with the correct Model 1879 rear ladder sight. The upper left corner of the sight leaf and the left side of the ramp are marked:

C

identifying the graduations as intended for the carbine rather than the rifle. The sight adjusts for elevation and windage, though some of the internal springs are missing.

The left side of the stock retains the original saddle ring and sliding bar. Wear is visible around the lower saddle ring fitting from prolonged contact with the ring and possibly a saddle ring snap or clip during service use.

The walnut stock remains in very good original condition with the deep red brown tone associated with aged and oiled walnut. It shows expected service wear, dents, and handling marks but no major cracks or structural damage. The wood remains noticeably proud of the lock plate, indicating that relatively little material has been removed through cleaning. The grain is somewhat pronounced from past surface cleaning.

A boxed inspection cartouche on the left side of the stock remains relatively clear:

SWP
1880

The script SWP initials identify Samuel W. Porter, Master Armorer and Chief Inspector at Springfield Armory from September 15, 1879 through June 18, 1894. A stylized circled P beneath the wrist indicates barrel overpressure proof inspection of the completed arm.

The barrel retains the standard Springfield proof and inspection markings near the breech. An:

R

is visible over the chamber, while the left side above the stock is marked:

V
P
Eagle Head
P

The lock plate is marked with the Federal eagle together with:

U.S.
SPRINGFIELD

and was manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The buttplate is marked:

U.S.

while the front barrel band carries the standard:

U

marking.

The metalwork throughout has developed an attractive mottled gray and oxidized patina. The barrel, receiver, lock, and breech block show a matte surface from repeated handling and cleaning over many years. There is no major deep pitting visible, though the arm clearly saw prolonged use and exposure.

The bore is in good condition and retains strong lands and grooves. There is evidence of old oxidation and fouling throughout, leaving portions of the surface dull and dark, but no areas of major rusting were observed. We would rate the bore approximately 6 out of 10.

The lock operates correctly in its present condition, holding at half cock and releasing at full cock. The breech block opens and closes correctly and locks when shut. The cartridge extractor and ejector are both present and move as intended, though they have not been tested with actual cartridge brass.

A particularly desirable feature of this example is the complete buttstock accessory set. Opening the buttplate trap reveals the original:

3-Piece Cleaning Rod
Ruptured Shell Extractor

The three rod sections screw together correctly, and the butt trap door opens without difficulty. Complete carbine accessory sets are frequently missing from surviving examples, making their presence a significant collector feature.

With its October 1880 production date, serial number 137247, boxed SWP/1880 stock cartouche, original saddle ring and sliding bar, C-marked Model 1879 carbine sight, intact Springfield inspection marks, good rifled bore, and complete three-piece cleaning rod and ruptured shell extractor, this is an unusually complete and appealing Model 1873 Trapdoor cavalry carbine. The mottled oxidation, matte metal surfaces, stock wear, pronounced grain, saddle ring contact wear, missing sight springs, bore fouling and oxidation, and untested extractor and ejector function with brass are all fully disclosed. It would display especially well in a U.S. Cavalry, Springfield Trapdoor, Indian Wars era, Model 1873 carbine, or advanced American military firearms collection.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1880
Maker: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield
Model: 1844 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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.