Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Cadet Rifle in .45-70 Government caliber, serial number 168995★, manufactured in 1882 and displaying a number of interesting arsenal replacement and reconditioning features. It retains the correct Cadet configuration with two barrel bands, two sling swivels plus stacking swivel, a Model 1879 rear sight, long wrist stock, and an original period leather sling.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Offered in very nice condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 168995★, with a nice oval oval ESA inspection cartouche, overall good metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in approximately March 1882, per U.S. Government records. The rifle is fitted with an original period sling, which definitely shows significant age, and also has had the front sight replaced with a tall fabricated non-magnetic blade with a red blaze on the back.

The "Star" after the serial number has been a cause of debate for years, but it is generally accepted to mean that it was "made with a combination of new and salvaged parts, to be held in reserve, or issued to and/or used by groups like the National Guard." (Please See the website trapdoorcollector.com for more information). We assume this rifle was made as a Model 1873, and then was returned to arsenal after some type of damage, probably to the stock. It was then reassembled using "salvage" parts

The breech block is a replacement, and is marked:

The stock is in good original condition, with a lovely color, and is the correct very early pattern "long wrist" type, usually only seen on the very early Model 1873 Rifles. This style of stock was also used on the "cadet" rifles throughout their production run, proving that this was purpose made or converted at arsenal using the correct stock from an earlier rifle. The stock level is still mostly "proud" above the level of the lock plate, indicating that it has not been excessively worn down over the years. It has the correct two part trigger guard, with a smooth trigger. It has a standard ramrod, but this looks to be a shortened model 1873 example, as there is just a bit of the jag on the end.

The original metal finish is quite good on the rifle, and it does look to have had parts refinished, which is why the serial number on the receiver is so faint. The bluing is still very well retained, and it really looks great. It is fitted with a Model 1879 rear ladder sight, which is fully functional, adjustable for range and windage, though it is a bit stiff from old grease.

The breech block opens and locks closed correctly, and the firing pin moves back and forth correctly. The cartridge extractor and ejector are intact and functional, though we have not tested it on spent brass. The rear sight can be adjusted correctly, though it is definitely stiff from old grease. We checked the bore, and and it is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with clear lands and grooves. We can see some wear to the lands, as well as a bit of past fouling, now removed, but it still presents very nicely, and indicates that the rifle was well cared for during its service life.

Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, M1879 sight, and standard ramrod. The lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / 1873, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts. This marking only appears on the earliest of Trapdoors, and later they removed the date. The lock is fully functional, however the original "two-notch" tumbler was replaced with the later "three-notch" as required for all guns that saw an arsenal service. Both barrel bands are U marked, while the "US" on the butt plate tang has worn away.

The script oval ESA cartouche belongs to Erskine S. Allin, the Master Armorer at Springfield Armory from 1853 until 1878. He oversaw the development of the Model 1855, 1861, and 1863 Springfield muskets. It was also his design for a breechloading conversion that became the Springfield Trapdoor Rifle in 1873.

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 capital A on top; 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 M1879 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.

The rifle is accompanied by an original period leather sling showing substantial age and service wear. Its condition and patina are consistent with extended use and storage, adding considerably to the overall presentation of the rifle.

With its 1882 dated serial range, star marked receiver, early long wrist ESA cartouched stock, later Model 1884 breechblock, dated 1873 lockplate, Model 1879 rifle sight, period leather sling, and clear evidence of arsenal replacement and reuse of components, this is a particularly interesting Springfield Trapdoor Cadet Rifle. The replacement front sight, replacement breechblock, likely shortened ramrod, refinished metal, faint serial number, and mixed period components are all fully disclosed. It would display especially well in a Springfield Trapdoor, Cadet Rifle, Indian Wars era, U.S. military arms, or 19th century American firearms collection.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1882 - Modified Later
Maker: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield
Model: 1873 Trapdoor "Cadet" Rifle
Serial No.: 168995★
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 29 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 48 3/4 Inches
Action type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.
Feed System: Single Shot
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

More on the Trapdoor "Cadet" Rifles:
The Cadet Model 1873 & 1884 Trapdoor Rifles are identical to the Standard Infantry Rifles, from the butt plate up to the rear or lower barrel band. The obvious difference is the overall length of the barrel, and thus the rifle. The standard Infantry barrel length was about 31 1/2" whereas the barrel on a Cadet Rifle was just about 2 1/2 inches shorter coming in at around 29".

Not a great deal but this did reduce the weight and presumably allowed raw Cadets to get used to the substantial .45-70 Caliber. Between 1874 the first year of the Standard Model 1873 Models were constructed, and 1886 when the Model of 1884 took over the ratio of Infantry Rifles manufactured was 20-1 TWENTY TO ONE. In fact in the 12 years 203,182 long Rifles to 9,188 Cadet Rifles.

Later Model 1884 Rifles and Cadet Rifles were still being made or converted from long to short until about 1900. The fact remains that the MODEL 1873 and 1884 Cadet Rifle is twenty times harder to find than the standard 1873 Infantry Rifle.

This information all comes from a wonderful Book :- THE .45-70 SPRINGFIELD written by Albert Frasca and Robert Hill in 1980. 381 pages of invaluable information, published by Springfield Publishing of Northridge, California.

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.

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not 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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.