Item Description
Original Item: Only One available. This is a very nice 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. It comes with a very nice original sling and bayonet with a partial scabbard. Based on the markings and characteristics, it definitely looks to have been sent back to arsenal for a refit at some point.
The breech block is marked:
U.S.
MODEL
1873
In 1884 the integral Round Rod Bayonet was designed, which could double as a cleaning rod, a development that met with very limited success. However, it was not fitted to all rifles, and not usually seen until at least 1886. It was finally replaced in 1892 with the .30-40 caliber Krag bolt action magazine rifle.
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.
Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 349392 with a clear SWP 1891 cartouche to the rear of the lock screws. It features a standard ramrod, as it was produced before the sliding ramrod bayonet was introduced in 1888. The rifle has overall very good metal finish and all metal proofs still present, with a nice lightly aged blue finish. The serial number indicates production in 1887, however the stock inspection is from 4 years later.
It has the model 1884 serrated trigger and Buffington sight fitted, along with the correct lower barrel band. However, the stock is in the 1873 configuration, with the standard ramrod and two part trigger guard. The breech block is also stamped 1873 as well. We surmise that the rifle suffered some type of damage, and was sent back to arsenal, and refit with parts on hand. We see no sign that any parts have been changed out anytime recently.
There are some small dents and scratches in the wood, but it still has a great color, and has the lovely color of aged oiled walnut. Stock is still mostly proud over the lock plate, so the stock has not worn down or been reconditioned much. The bore shows clear lands and grooves, and a partly bright finish, with areas of oxidation, mostly in the grooves. The breech block moves correctly, and the extractor is still present and functional, though we have not tested it with real brass.
The both barrel bands are U marked, and the butt plate tang is marked with the correct U.S. stamp. Metal finish is a nice aged blued color, with a bit of light peppering in places, and an overall lovely patina of age. The bottom of the butt plate has some more advanced rusting, probably from resting on a moist surface for decades. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, Buffington sight, with standard ramrod. The lock is marked with the Federal Eagle to the left of U.S. / SPRINGFIELD marking, indicating manufacture by Springfield Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts. There are also the numbers 19 and 13 stamped into the right side of the butt stock, most likely militia or guard rack numbers.
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. A VERY faint stylized P in a circle under the wrist of the stock indicates that the rifle passed all of its overpressure proof testing. 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. 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.
The bayonet is the classic 1873 style triangular socket bayonet, and has a lovely lightly worn blued steel patina. It has the correct U S marking on the ricasso, and there are no major rust or denting issues. It comes in its original steel scabbard body, which is in good condition, but has lost the leather frog / belt holder.
The included sling is the correct type for the Springfield Trapdoor rifle, a single piece of leather with one set of hooks and a brass stud at the end. It is unmarked as far as we can see, and the leather is still supple, though there is some surface cracking. It does not look to have been moved or adjusted for quite some time, as the areas of leather protected by the outer layer are quite a bit lighter.
This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a classic U.S. issue firearm with some great accessories. Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1887
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 Inches
Overall Length: 52 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.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
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.
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