Original Item: Only One available. This is a nice example of the rare Springfield 1873 trapdoor Cadet 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:

Offered in very nice condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 204722 with a faint "boxed" SWP 188? cartouche, overall good metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in approximately November 1878, per U.S. Government records. This is a somewhat interesting example, as it was originally made as a model 1873 in 1878, but later sent back to arsenal in the 1880s, as indicated by the partial cartouche. At this time it looks like the stock was completely refurbished, and received a new final inspection cartouche. The rifle was also updated with a serrated trigger, however it was not fitted with an adjustable "Buffington" sight with inlet barrel band, and still retains the original Model 1879 ladder sight.

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.

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 about 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.

Condition notes:

The stock on this example has a lovely color, with the stock still mostly proud over the lock plate in the front and bottom while it is definitely below in the rear, where there is an arsenal wood graft repair. Aside from this there is not any major damage we can see, just he usual scratches, dents, and dings expected on an old service rifle. The original metal finish is still quite good, having also been refinished at some point. The barrel now has a lovely plum patina on top, faded from the original bluing, while the receiver and breech block display a mottled patina, faded from the original case hardening.

The lock is fully functional with a three position tumbler, only firing when fully cocked. 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 mostly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is some past oxidation and fouling present in the grooves, but the lands are still bright with crisp edges.

Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, M1879 ladder sight, and standard ramrod. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / 1883, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, located in Springfield, Massachusetts. The date most likely indicates that it was surplussed at some point, as these were often added post manufacture by retailers. The butt plate is marked U.S., and both barrel bands are U marked.

The elegant script SWP belongs to Samuel W. Porter, who was the Master Armorer and Chief Inspector of Springfield Armory from 15 September 1879 to 18 June 1894. The faint stylized P in a circle proof 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 P over a V over another P over an eagle's head over a third P on the left side just above the stock. This would indicate re-inspection of the barrel when the new stock was fit. 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.

This is a very nice example of a rare Springfield cadet rifle with some interesting markings and history, ready to add to your collection.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1878 - updated later.
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 29 1/4 Inches
Overall Length: 48 3/4 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.

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.