Original Item: Only One available. This is a very nice service used 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 breech block as replaced with an earlier version, and is marked:

Offered in very good service used condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, fitted with the correct 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.

Carbines 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, The .45-70 Springfield, fifth edition.

The serial # 380664 on the rear of the receiver indicates production in approximately November 1887, per U.S. Government records. The stock is in very good original condition, with the expected wear from age and service. The stock is still partly proud over the lock plate in the front, so it has not been excessively worn or reconditioned while in service. There are some gouges on the left side near the saddle ring, and a chunk missing next to the receiver tang on the left side. It definitely looks like it was carried for a good amount of time using the saddle ring.

The bore is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is some wear to the lands, and some evidence of past fouling and oxidation in the grooves, now cleaned away, so this is a carbine that saw a good amount of service, but was also well cared for. The carbine has however lost the front sight protector that model 1890s were equipped with. The spent cartridge extractor is present and functional, though we have not tested it on actual brass, and the ejector on the floor of the receiver is present as well. This carbine is correctly fitted with the butt stock storage compartment, and in this case there is still actually an original three piece cleaning rod inside! The oiler is missing, but finding these with the three piece rods actually still present is really rare, as they were usually taken and used elsewhere. It shows wear, and is a bit bent, but is 100% original.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and the front band/guard is unmarked, as is correct. Metal finish has faded to a lovely plum patina, with just a bit of light peppering in places. 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 Buffington sight. Lock is marked with a Federal Eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in 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. These are a bit hard to see due to oxidation on the barrel. The upper right corner of the Buffington sight leaf is marked C to indicate that the sight graduations are for a carbine and not a rifle.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a legendary U.S. issue firearm. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1887 - updated later.
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 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.