{"product_id":"original-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-model-1873-45-70-saddle-ring-carbine-with-starred-serial-no-181389-and-swp-1881-cartouche-made-in-1882","title":"Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 .45-70 Saddle Ring Carbine with Starred Serial No. 181389★ and SWP\/1881 Cartouche, Made in 1882","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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 \u003cstrong\u003e181389★\u003c\/strong\u003e, manufactured in \u003cstrong\u003e1882\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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 \u003cstrong\u003eSWP \/ 1881\u003c\/strong\u003e stock cartouche.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe .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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe breech block is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMODEL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1873\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe receiver is serial numbered:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e181389★\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpringfield production records place serial number 181389 within the \u003cstrong\u003eJuly-September 1882\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003eSWP\/1881\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eSWP\/1882\u003c\/strong\u003e stocks are particularly characteristic of this program.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \"Star\" after the serial number has been a cause of debate for years, but it is generally accepted to mean that it was \u003cem\u003e\"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.\" \u003c\/em\u003e(Please See the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.armscollectors.com\/trapdoor\/FAQ.html\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSpringfield Trapdoor FAQ\u003c\/a\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe left side of the stock retains a faint but fully legible boxed cartouche:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSWP \/ 1881\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003efor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lock plate is marked with the Federal Eagle and:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPRINGFIELD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eidentifying manufacture at the \u003cem\u003eUnited States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield\u003c\/em\u003e, in Springfield, Massachusetts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eindicating that the sight is graduated for the ballistic characteristics of the shorter carbine rather than the full length infantry rifle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe left side of the barrel breech retains the traditional Springfield inspection and proof marks, faint but still visible:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eV\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEAGLE'S HEAD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe underside of the wrist carries the familiar:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eP in a Circle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003estock proof marking, indicating that the completed arm had passed its final firing proof and inspection process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe butt plate is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eand the single barrel band is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eindicating the correct upward orientation of the band during assembly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe butt stock retains the proper storage compartment for the sectional cleaning rod and tools. The compartment itself is intact, although it is presently empty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe overall appearance suggests a carbine that experienced prolonged service and repeated handling rather than one that remained untouched in storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImportantly, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bore is in \u003cstrong\u003every good condition\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lock functions correctly during dry operation, and the M1879 rear sight remains complete and adjustable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its unusual \u003cstrong\u003e181389★\u003c\/strong\u003e starred serial number, \u003cstrong\u003eSWP \/ 1881\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1882\u003cbr\u003eMaker: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield\u003cbr\u003eModel: 1873 Trapdoor Carbine\u003cbr\u003eSerial No.: 181389★\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .45-70 Government\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 22 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 41 1\/4 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFederal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46107087077445,"sku":"ONJR26SERA09","price":2295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/1E78F77C-069F-40A4-927C-5FB4F3713ACF.jpg?v=1792778977","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-model-1873-45-70-saddle-ring-carbine-with-starred-serial-no-181389-and-swp-1881-cartouche-made-in-1882","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}