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:

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor cadet rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 236789, overall good metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in 1884, and the stock is in good original condition, with a lovely color. This is a somewhat interesting example, as it was originally made as a model 1873, but later sent back to arsenal to be updated with the model 1884 Buffington Sight, inlet lower barrel band, and serrated trigger.

Even more interesting is the stock, which is a very early pattern "long wrist" type, usually only seen on the very early Model 1873 Rifles. That of course leads to the question of whether it is the original stock it was made with, or whether when it was sent back arsenal, a leftover stock was used. Definitely worthy of further research.

The 1873 Cadet Model Trapdoor Rifle is identical to the Standard 1873 Infantry Rifle, 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, indicating that it was probably reconditioned at some point. It has scratches, dents, and dings expected from service, including some gouging on the top of the butt stock in front of the butt plate. There are not any cracks or major structural issues.

The original metal finish is still quite good, with a nice dark blued color, and just a bit of light peppering. 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 excellent nearly mint condition, with little sign of ever having been fired. 

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, though we have not tested it on spent brass. The front sight also has had the sight blade replaced with a taller one in bright steel.

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: 1884
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.