Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 saddle ring carbine in .45-70 Government, serial number 181389★, manufactured in 1882. Particularly interesting is the star suffix following the serial number, identifying it with the distinctive group of Springfield carbines assembled during 1881-1882 using a combination of new and salvaged serviceable parts. It retains the correct saddle ring and bar, short wrist carbine stock with butt trap, M1879 carbine rear sight, low arch breech block, smooth trigger, and a faint but legible SWP / 1881 stock cartouche.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The .45-70 Springfield Trapdoor carbine is one of the most recognizable American cavalry arms of the Indian Wars. Earlier Model 1873 carbines of this general family were carried by U.S. cavalry units throughout the western campaigns of the 1870s, including by troopers of the 7th Cavalry during the Little Bighorn campaign. This particular example was manufactured several years later in 1882 and therefore has no connection to that 1876 battle, but it represents the continued development of the same famous single shot cavalry arm.

The breech block is marked:

U.S.
MODEL
1873

The receiver is serial numbered:

181389★

Springfield production records place serial number 181389 within the July-September 1882 production range. The star suffix is especially noteworthy. Starred Springfield arms were assembled in small batches during 1881 and 1882 using a combination of new and salvaged serviceable components, many taken from earlier arms returned to Springfield Arsenal. Carbines in approximately the 170,000-200,000 serial range with SWP/1881 or SWP/1882 stocks are particularly characteristic of this program.

The "Star" after the serial number has been a cause of debate for years, but it is generally accepted to mean that it was "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." (Please See the Springfield Trapdoor FAQ at armscollector.com for more information). The star should therefore not be viewed simply as an ordinary punctuation mark or later addition. It is part of the rifle's Springfield production history and identifies this carbine with a distinctive arsenal rebuilding and reserve issue program of the early 1880s.

The left side of the stock retains a faint but fully legible boxed cartouche:

SWP / 1881

for Samuel W. Porter, who served as Master Armorer and Chief Inspector at Springfield during this period. An 1881 stock cartouche is entirely consistent with the known configuration of starred carbines assembled during the 1881-1882 program and does not conflict with the receiver's 1882 serial range.

The carbine remains in the expected later Model 1873 configuration. It has the shorter wrist carbine stock with a compartment beneath the butt plate, a smooth trigger, low arch breech block, and lock using the three notch tumbler arrangement.

The lock plate is marked with the Federal Eagle and:

U.S.
SPRINGFIELD

identifying manufacture at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The rear sight is the M1879 ramp and ladder type. The upper left portion of the sight leaf and the left side of the ramp are marked:

C

indicating that the sight is graduated for the ballistic characteristics of the shorter carbine rather than the full length infantry rifle.

The left side of the barrel breech retains the traditional Springfield inspection and proof marks, faint but still visible:

V
P
EAGLE'S HEAD
P

The underside of the wrist carries the familiar:

P in a Circle

stock proof marking, indicating that the completed arm had passed its final firing proof and inspection process.

The carbine retains its original style saddle bar and sliding ring on the left side of the stock. This arrangement allowed a mounted trooper to attach the carbine to a shoulder sling or carbine sling while keeping the weapon readily accessible in the saddle.

The butt plate is marked:

U.S.

and the single barrel band is marked:

U

indicating the correct upward orientation of the band during assembly.

The butt stock retains the proper storage compartment for the sectional cleaning rod and tools. The compartment itself is intact, although it is presently empty.

The exterior metalwork is in very good service used condition and has developed an attractive mottled light gray and brown patina. There is scattered evidence of old peppering and oxidation that has subsequently been cleaned, but we do not see extensive deep pitting or major destructive corrosion.

The overall appearance suggests a carbine that experienced prolonged service and repeated handling rather than one that remained untouched in storage.

The walnut stock is likewise in very good condition and has developed a handsome warm brown color with attractive natural grain. It shows the expected small dents, dings, and handling marks from military use.

Importantly, the wood remains at or slightly proud of the lock plate and surrounding metal surfaces, suggesting that it has not been aggressively sanded or heavily refinished. We do not see major cracks or structural repairs.

The bore is in very good condition, retaining clear lands and grooves and a mostly bright interior. There is visible wear to the lands as well as evidence of old fouling and oxidation, consistent with a carbine that saw a substantial amount of service use, but was well maintained.

The breech block opens and closes correctly during manual inspection. The firing pin remains present and moves freely, and the breech latch functions as intended. The extractor and ejector components are also present and operate mechanically, although we have not tested them with a cartridge case.

The lock functions correctly during dry operation, and the M1879 rear sight remains complete and adjustable.

With its unusual 181389★ starred serial number, SWP / 1881 cartouche, correct saddle ring and bar, M1879 carbine sight, original butt trap, intact Springfield proof and inspection marks, strong mechanical condition, and honest service patina, this is a particularly interesting later Indian Wars era Springfield carbine. The star suffix gives it an additional layer of arsenal history beyond that of a standard production arm, making it especially appealing for collections of U.S. cavalry weapons, Springfield Trapdoors, Indian Wars firearms, or state militia and National Guard arms of the late 19th century.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1882
Maker: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield
Model: 1873 Trapdoor Carbine
Serial No.: 181389★
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Overall Length: 41 1/4 Inches
Action type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.
Feed System: Single Shot
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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.

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, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. 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.