Original Item: Only One available. This is a very interesting example of the classic Springfield trapdoor rifle, 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 rifles continued to be used on the frontier as the standard rifle of the U.S. Army, and this example appears to have been captured or left out in the frontier, where it was heavily modified and decorated with brass tacks, much in the way often seen on Native American owned weapons.

The barrel was reduced in length from 32 down to a "carbine length" of about 22 inches , and the fore stock removed, leaving only the lower barrel band. The cleaning rod channel can be seen, showing that this was indeed a rifle, and the barrel wall is way too thick at the muzzle to have been made as a carbine. The lower barrel band also has the correct inlet at the top for the Buffington Sight of the model 1884, though the sight itself has been completely removed, leaving only the mounting holes. It also appears that the end of the hammer broke off at some point, then replaced by a cast on brass hammer spur. 

The shortened rifle shows quite a bit of age, and a lovely patina. Definitely an interesting relic from the U.S. Frontier, ready for display and research.

The breech block looks to have been replaced with an earlier model, or perhaps was made from an arsenal leftover, and is marked:

Model 1884 rifles saw service in the Spanish American War. The regular army was issued the new Krag rifles and the guard units received the trapdoor. There are a number of stereopticon pictures that show guard units armed with of 1884 rifles. However, the switch to the model 1884 was not instantaneous, so transitional examples such as this one are found, which have characteristics of both.

Offered in service worn modified condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 376088, indicating production in 1887. This rifle was produced at a time when 1873 parts such as the breech block were still readily available, which may explain why it has characteristics of both models. The stock is in the 1873 configuration, with the standard ramrod and two part trigger guard. However, it had a Buffington sight fitted, along with the correct lower barrel band. There is no butt stock storage compartment, correct for the 1873 style stock.

The stock shows quite a bit of wear, as well as dents, cracks, and other signs of use. There is a crack and some damage near the lock plate, and there are chunks missing where the stock was cut off, and around the lower barrel band. The butt stock has been decorated with brass tacks, which have a very nice patina now. There has been some erosion of the upper corner of the butt stock, which no longer matches the profile of the butt plate. The bore is in good condition, and does show worn lands and grooves with a partly bright finish. However there are also some areas of oxidation and light pitting.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and the lower barrel band is U marked. Metal finish is an aged peppery patina, with some light surface pitting on the receiver. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single barrel band with no sling swivels present due to modification. The lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts. Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a capital A on top and a V over a P over an eagle's head over another P on the left side just above the stock. 

A very interesting frontier used and modified Springfield Trapdoor Rifle, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1887
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

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are no able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.

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. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". 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.