{"product_id":"original-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-m1873-90-saddle-ring-carbine-with-rear-sight-guard-made-in-1882-serial-187596","title":"Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor M1873-90 Saddle Ring Carbine with Rear Sight Guard Made in 1882 - Serial 187596★","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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 replaced breech block is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003cbr\u003eMODEL\u003cbr\u003e1884\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, fitted with a Buffington rear sight and original Saddle Ring and Bar on the left hand side of the wood stock. It also includes the correct Saddle Carbine band guard, which cradles the rear sight ladder and prevents it from getting caught in the saddle bucket. Most of the carbines we see do not have these, and they are somewhat hard to find.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarbines so equipped are considered by many to be \"Model 1890\" carbines, and many 1873, 1877, and 1884 carbines were altered in a similar fashion. How much modification they received would depend on the current configuration of the carbine when received back at arsenal. Earlier carbines would have the entire stock replaced, while model 1884s would mainly have the rear band replaced with the sight protector, and a front sight protector equipped as well. Details of the aforementioned modifications were referenced from the Joe Poyer and Craig Riesch publication, \u003cem\u003eThe .45-70 Springfield\u003c\/em\u003e, fifth edition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe carbine bears Serial # \u003cstrong\u003e187596★\u003c\/strong\u003e on the rear of the receiver, indicating production in approximately \u003cstrong\u003eNovember 1882\u003c\/strong\u003e, per U.S. Government records. The \"Star\" after the serial number has been a cause of debate for years, but it is generally accepted to mean that it was \u003cem\u003e\"made with a combination of new and salvaged parts, to be held in reserve, or issued to and\/or used by groups like the National Guard.\" \u003c\/em\u003e(Please See the \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.armscollectors.com\/trapdoor\/FAQ.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSpringfield Trapdoor FAQ\u003c\/a\u003e at armscollector.com for more information). There is unfortunately no way to tell whether this rifle was returned to arsenal after production, or whether it was originally produced using the \"salvaged\" parts. The stock inspection cartouche is no longer present either, which might be able to help trace the history. The carbine most likely started life in the \"Model 1877\" configuration, and still has the original two part trigger guard. This differs from the original Model 1873 by the addition of the cleaning rod compartment in the butt stock. It does features a serrated trigger, however that may have been installed originally given the 1882 production date.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stock is in good original condition, with the expected wear from age and service. It is still partly \"proud\" over the lock plate, with other areas worn a bit so they are below it. This indicates that the stock was reconditioned at bit in service, probably to remove dents and gouges around the wrist while in service. It still has a lovely look and a great color, showing strong grain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. There is some past fouling and oxidation, now cleaned away, but no major oxidation or rust, so we would probably rate this at an 8 out of 10. It definitely saw use but was relatively well cared for. The breech block has an intact freely moving firing pin and moves correctly, with the latch keeping it securely closed. The spent cartridge extractor is present and functional, as is the ejector, though we have not tested them on actual brass. This carbine is correctly fitted with the butt stock storage compartment, where a multi-piece cleaning rod and tools would be stored. Unfortunately these are long gone, and it is empty. The carbine has also lost the front sight protector that model 1890s were equipped with.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe butt plate is marked \u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e and the front band\/guard is unmarked, as is correct. Metal finish has faded to a lovely gray patina, with some areas of the original blue maintained. The replaced breech block was blued, which is still very well retained. There is not any major oxidation or rust that we can see. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and carbine \u003cb\u003eBuffington sight\u003c\/b\u003e. Lock is marked with a \u003cstrong\u003eFederal Eagle\u003c\/strong\u003e to the left of \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. \/ SPRINGFIELD\u003c\/strong\u003e, manufactured at the \u003cem\u003eUnited States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield\u003c\/em\u003e, in Springfield, Massachusetts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a \u003cstrong\u003eV\u003c\/strong\u003e over a \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e over an \u003cstrong\u003eeagle's head\u003c\/strong\u003e over another \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e on the left side just above the stock. The upper right corner of the Buffington sight leaf is marked \u003cstrong\u003eC\u003c\/strong\u003e to indicate that the sight graduations are for a carbine and not a rifle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an excellent opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a legendary U.S. issue firearm. Ready to display!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1882 - updated later.\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .45-70 Government\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 22 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 41 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45088104153157,"sku":"ONJR26FERA018","price":2495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/86C3F4B0-D59C-4E3F-9A5C-B092984333B7.jpg?v=1780348548","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-m1873-90-saddle-ring-carbine-with-rear-sight-guard-made-in-1882-serial-187596","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}