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 excellent condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 375136, indicating production in 1887. The rifle has overall good metal finish and most metal proofs still present, though there definitely is wear and patination. This rifle was produced at a time when 1873 parts such as the breech block were still readily available, which may explain why it has characteristics of both models. The stock is in the 1873 configuration, with the standard ramrod and two part trigger guard. However, it has the model 1884 serrated trigger and Buffington sight fitted, along with the correct lower barrel band. There is no butt stock storage compartment, correct for the 1873 style stock.
There are some small dents and scratches in the wood, as expected on a rifle this age, but no major cracks or other issues. The stock has not been worn down much, as it is still partly proud over the lock plate. The walnut has a great color and the patina of age is excellent. The bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish and clear lands and grooves, with some light oxidation in the grooves.
The butt plate is marked U.S. and the lower barrel band is U marked. Metal finish is a nice aged blue color, with rust peppering in places. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, Buffington sight, standard ramrod. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured by Springfield Armory, 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.
Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1886
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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