Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873/84 Rifle with Standard Ram Rod made in 1888 - Serial No 409658
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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 # 409658 with overall good metal finish and most metal proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in 1888, however the breech block and lock plate are both dated 1873, so this rifle was re-worked at arsenal at a later date, as the parts for the 1873 and 1884 were for the most part identical. The stock was sanded down, and the breech block was replaced with one marked 1873. The stock conforms to the standard 1873 pattern, with the standard ramrod and two piece trigger guard. However, it has the serrated trigger of the model 1884.
Most likely, the stock and lock plate were taken from a Model 1873 with a worn or damaged barrel, and the barrel and receiver from a model 1884 were then mated to the stock, complete with the original Buffington sight. This type of refit was common, especially for rifles in service with state militia units.
There are some small dents and scratches in the wood, but no structural issues. The stock has been sanded down, as the stock is below the level of the lock plate. The stock was also finished with standard glossy varnish, which is actually quite nice. Also most of the stock proofs have all been removed due to this cleaning. The bore is in good condition, with clear lands and grooves, which shows some wear. There is also some light oxidation in the grooves.
The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. There is also a rack number of B / 6 on the butt plate tang. Metal finish is a nice aged blued color, with a bit of light peppering in places. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, Buffington sight, with standard ramrod. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD/ 1873, indicating manufacture by Springfield Armory 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. 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 excellent opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a classic U.S. issue firearm. Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1888 - Refit later
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.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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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