{"product_id":"original-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-model-1873-cadet-rifle-serial-no-168995-with-period-sling-manufactured-in-1882","title":"Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Cadet Rifle Serial No. 168995★ with Period Sling, Manufactured in 1882","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Cadet Rifle in .45-70 Government caliber, serial number \u003cstrong\u003e168995★\u003c\/strong\u003e, manufactured in \u003cstrong\u003e1882\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in very nice condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e168995★\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, with a nice oval oval \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eESA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e inspection cartouche, overall good metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in approximately \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarch 1882\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \"Star\" after the serial number has been a cause of debate for years, but it is generally accepted to mean that it was \u003cem\u003e\"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.\" \u003c\/em\u003e(Please See the website \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.trapdoorcollector.com\/FAQ.html\" title=\"Trapdoor Collector FAQ\" target=\"_blank\"\u003etrapdoorcollector.com\u003c\/a\u003e 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\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe breech block is a replacement, and is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMODEL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1884\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCenter 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 \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. \/ SPRINGFIELD \/ 1873\u003c\/strong\u003e, manufactured at the \u003cem\u003eUnited States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield\u003c\/em\u003e, 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 \u003cstrong\u003eU\u003c\/strong\u003e marked, while the \"US\" on the butt plate tang has worn away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe script oval \u003cstrong\u003eESA\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA stylized \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003eA \u003c\/strong\u003eon top; a \u003cstrong\u003eV\u003c\/strong\u003e over a \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e over an \u003cstrong\u003eeagle's head\u003c\/strong\u003e over another \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003eR\u003c\/strong\u003e to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1882 - Modified Later\u003cbr\u003eMaker: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield\u003cbr\u003eModel: 1873 Trapdoor \"Cadet\" Rifle\u003cbr\u003eSerial No.: 168995★\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .45-70 Government\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 29 1\/2 Inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 48 3\/4 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003cbr\u003eFederal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore on the Trapdoor \"Cadet\" Rifles:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Cadet Model 1873 \u0026amp; 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\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis information all comes from a wonderful Book :- \u003cem\u003eTHE .45-70 SPRINGFIELD\u003c\/em\u003e written by Albert Frasca and Robert Hill in 1980. 381 pages of invaluable information, published by Springfield Publishing of Northridge, California.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45598853857349,"sku":"ONJR26JYRA05","price":1395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR26JYRA05.jpg?v=1787603219","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-model-1873-cadet-rifle-serial-no-168995-with-period-sling-manufactured-in-1882","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}