{"product_id":"original-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-model-1873-cadet-rifle-with-standard-ramrod-made-in-1878-serial-97575","title":"Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Cadet Rifle with Standard Ramrod Made in 1878 - Serial 97575","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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:\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\u003e1873\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in very nice condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e204722\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e with a faint \"boxed\" \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSWP 188?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e cartouche, overall good metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in approximately \u003cstrong\u003eNovember 1878\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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 This is a somewhat interesting example, as it was originally made as a model 1873 in 1878, but later sent back to arsenal in the 1880s, as indicated by the partial cartouche.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.\u003c\/p\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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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 about 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\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCenter 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 \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. \/ SPRINGFIELD \/ 1883\u003c\/strong\u003e, manufactured at the \u003cem\u003eUnited States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield\u003c\/em\u003e, 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 \u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e, and both barrel bands are \u003cstrong\u003eU\u003c\/strong\u003e marked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e over a \u003cstrong\u003eV\u003c\/strong\u003e over another \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e over an eagle's head over a third \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003eR\u003c\/strong\u003e to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a very nice example of a rare Springfield cadet rifle with some interesting markings and history, ready to add to your collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1878 - updated later.\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .45-70 Government\u003cbr\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 29 1\/4 Inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 48 3\/4 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\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":44895218368581,"sku":"ONJR25NOHG17","price":1295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25NOHG17.jpg?v=1776719787","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-model-1873-cadet-rifle-with-standard-ramrod-made-in-1878-serial-97575","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}