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
In 1884 the integral Round Rod Bayonet was introduced, which could double as a cleaning rod, a development that met with very limited success. 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. However, the switch to the round rod bayonet model 1884 was not instantaneous, so transitional examples such as this one are found.
Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 482926 with a faint SWP 1892 cartouche to the rear of the lock screws. The rifle has overall good metal finish and most metal proofs still present, though there definitely is wear and patination. The serial number indicates production in 1890, while the stock was inspected two years later. We consider this a model 1873/84, as it really has characteristics of both, and may have been refitted at arsenal, which could explain its make up.
The rifle has the early Ramp Rear sight, standard ramrod, nose cap, breech block, and two part trigger guard of the model 1873. It also has no butt stock compartment, which model 1884s made as late as 1890 almost always have. This rifle would normally be expected to have a ramrod bayonet, but we see no evidence that one was ever fitted under the barrel, as they are directly soldered on. However, the nose cap is only held in place by the cleaning rod, and the stock is definitely one intended for the ramrod bayonet, being shorter, and the rifle also has the model 1884 serrated trigger. Definitely an interesting rifle, and worthy of further research.
There are some small dents and scratches in the wood, as expected on a rifle this age. There are also some larger scrapes and gouges. The stock however has not been sanded down much, as it is still partly proud over the lock plate, and the stock proofs are fully visible. The walnut has a great color and the patina of age is excellent. It also has rack numbers stamped into the sides of the butt stock, as well as painted numbers on the butt stock spline. The bore is in good condition, with clear lands and grooves, with a partly oxidized finish. Probably a 7-8 out of 10.
The butt plate is marked U.S. and the lower barrel band is U marked. Metal finish is a nice aged blue color, with a bit of peppering in places. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, standard sliding ramp rear sight, and standard ramrod.ramrod. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts.
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 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. The upper right corner of the standard sliding sight leaf and the left side of the ramp are marked R to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.
Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1890
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
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