Item:
ON13266

Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor M1873 Cadet Rifle updated to M1884 made in 1882 - Serial 179780

Item Description

Original Item: Only One available. This is a nice example of the rare Springfield 1873 trapdoor Cadet 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 breech block is marked:

U.S.
MODEL
1884

Offered in very nice condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 179780 with a faint "boxed" SWP 1883 cartouche, overall good metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in approximately July 1882, per U.S. Government records, with final inspection in 1883. Due to the calendar and fiscal years being different for half the year, this type of mismatch is common. This is a somewhat interesting example, as it was originally made as a model 1873, but later sent back to arsenal to be updated with the Model 1884 Breech Block, Buffington Sight, inlet lower barrel band, and serrated trigger.

The stock is in good original condition, with a lovely color, and is the correct very early pattern "long wrist" type, usually only seen on the very early Model 1873 Rifles. This style of stock was also used on the "cadet" rifles throughout their production run, proving that this was purpose made or converted at arsenal using the correct stock.

The Cadet Model 1873 & 1884 Trapdoor Rifles are identical to the Standard Infantry Rifles, from the butt plate up to the rear or lower barrel band. The obvious difference is the overall length of the barrel, and thus the rifle. The standard Infantry barrel length was about 31 1/2" whereas the barrel on a Cadet Rifle was just about 2 1/2 inches shorter coming in at about 29".

Not a great deal but this did reduce the weight and presumably allowed raw Cadets to get used to the substantial .45-70 Caliber. Between 1874 the first year of the Standard Model 1873 Models were constructed, and 1886 when the Model of 1884 took over the ratio of Infantry Rifles manufactured was 20-1 TWENTY TO ONE. In fact in the 12 years 203,182 long Rifles to 9,188 Cadet Rifles.

Later Model 1884 Rifles and Cadet Rifles were still being made or converted from long to short until about 1900. The fact remains that the MODEL 1873 and 1884 Cadet Rifle is twenty times harder to find than the standard 1873 Infantry Rifle.

This information all comes from a wonderful Book :- THE .45-70 SPRINGFIELD written by Albert Frasca and Robert Hill in 1980. 381 pages of invaluable information, published by Springfield Publishing of Northridge, California.

Condition notes:

The stock on this example has a lovely color, with the stock partly proud over the lock plate, so it has not had any major reconditioning done to it. It has scratches, dents, and dings expected from service, including some letters carved into the left butt stock. There are not any cracks or major structural issues we can see.

The original metal finish is still quite good, having faded to a lovely light gray and plum patina, without any real rust peppering or other issues. All proofs are still present, and clear. The butt plate is marked U.S., and both barrel bands are U marked. The bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish and crisp lands and grooves. There is just a bit of oxidation in the grooves near the muzzle from use and powder fouling.

Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, Buffington sight, and standard ramrod. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts. The lock is fully functional, and the cartridge extractor is intact and functional, though we have not tested it on spent brass. The Buffington rear sight adjusts easily, and the front sight is in great shape.

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. Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a capital A on the top; and 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 Buffington sight leaf is marked R to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.

This is a very nice example of a rare Springfield cadet rifle, ready to add to your collection.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1882 - updated later.
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 29 Inches
Overall Length: 49 Inches
Action type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.
Feed System: Single Shot

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.

  • This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey

    This product is available for international shipping.
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

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