Item Description
Original Item: Only One available. This is a very nice example of the classic Springfield trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine, the weapon used 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
1884
Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, complete with its original Saddle Ring and Bar on the left hand side of the wood stock. The serial number on the receiver is 143969, which indicates production in approximately December 1880, per U.S. Government records. However, it definitely looks like it was returned to either a Federal or State arsenal at some point, and had parts replaced from another carbine. This was relatively common during the service life of the Trapdoor, which was still in service at the state level well into the 1890s, and possibly later.
The carbine features a Model 1879 rear ladder sight, and a two part trigger guard, however the rest of the components look to be in the Model 1884 configuration. This includes the "1884" marked breech block, the barrel band inlet for a "Buffington" rear sight, and the serrated trigger.
The carbine has an overall very good metal finish, with most proofs still present. There is some light pitting on the left side of the breech block, but the finish is otherwise very well retained. The stock is in good condition, with a lovely color. It does show wear, especially on the left hand side (probably from the saddle), but does not appear to have been refurbished at any time. The stock is still at or above (proud) the level of the lock plate, which indicates that it has not had wood removed, which would be done if it ha been refurbished. While it shows a lot of dents and dings, there are no cracks or repairs we can see.
The bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish and clear lands and grooves. There is just a bit of wear, as well as what looks to be a ring of oxidation near the muzzle, possibly from a misfired bullet. The breech block moves correctly, and the extractor is still present and functional, though we have not tested it with real brass. The saddle ring bar is still present, with the correct saddle ring present. It has the correct butt stock storage compartment for the cleaning rod, though it is unfortunately empty.
The butt plate is marked U.S. and the front band is U marked. The metalwork has been worn to a lovely faded blue patina overall, with a mottled patina on the breech block, which was originally case hardened. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and fully functional carbine M1879 rear ladder sight. Lock is marked with an eagle to the left of U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel, which are still clear: an R over the chamber, as well as 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 M1879 standard sliding sight leaf and the left side of the ramp are marked C 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 legendary U.S. issue firearm. Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1880
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Overall Length: 41 Inches
Action type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.
Feed System: Single Shot
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.
- 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, 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.
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