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. The breech block is marked:
U.S.
MODEL
1873
Offered in very nice condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 387351, overall good metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in 1887, which is definitely late for a model 1873. This rifle looks to be some type of transitional model, or it was send back arsenal for repair, and spare 1873 parts were used. The stock is fitted with the two part trigger guard of the model 1873, but has the serrated trigger of the model 1884. The breech block is also dated 1873. The rifle correctly has the rear Buffington sight, and a standard straight ramrod.
The stock is in very good original condition, with a great look. The grain is very nice, and the color is a nice walnut brown. The rifle does look to have been arsenal reconditioned, as the lock plate is fully proud over the stock, indicating wood loss from cleaning and refinishing. The bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish, and clear lands and grooves. There is some haze and light wear, with just a bit of speckling in some of the grooves. The ejector is present, and functions correctly, though we have not tested it with real brass. The sight works well, with the elevation and windage adjustments functional.
The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. Metal finish is a slightly worn plum patina, with peppering in places, as shown. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, standard sliding sight, and standard ramrod. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts.
The 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 V over a P over an eagle's head over another P on the left side just above the stock, and a faint A over the chamber. 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 an great opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a classic U.S. issue firearm. 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.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
