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 # 308459 with overall good metal finish and most metal proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in 1886, a time when 1873 parts were still readily available. The stock is in the 1873 configuration, with the standard ramrod, smooth trigger, and two part trigger guard. However, it has the model 1884 Buffington sight fitted, along with the correct lower barrel band.
There are some small dents and scratches in the wood, as expected on a rifle this age. The stock has been sanded down, as the stock is below the lock plate level on some sides. Also the stock proofs are no longer visible due to the refurbishing, and there is a wooden plug below the lower lock screw. We do not see any repaired cracks though, so we do not know why it is there. The bore is excellent, near mint with a bright finish and crisp lands and 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 a bit of 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.
The included socket bayonet is in very good condition, and has almost all of the original blued finish, with a clear U.S. stamp on the ricasso. There are a few areas of light pitting. The scabbard has one dent about mid way down the scabbard, and the finish is a nice blue with bit of wear, and no sign of past pitting. The attached swivel frog is in good condition, with the leather worn but solid, and has a U.S. marked rosette on the hinge joint with the brass belt hook.
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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