Original Item: Only One available. This is an interesting 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, overall good metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in approximately June 1885, per U.S. Government records. This is a somewhat interesting example, given that it should have been made as a model 1884, but now is definitely in the model 1873 configuration. However, the lower barrel band has the inlet on top for a Buffington sight, and the barrel is fitted with a very early Model 1873 sight, so we suspect that this cadet rifle was reconditioned at arsenal using parts on hand, probably in the 1890s or early 20th century.

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 butt plate however is definitely undersized, and not correct for the stock. 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 no jag on the end.

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.

Condition notes:

The stock on this example shows wear commensurate with age and long service, and shows the expected dings, dents, and scratches. It is completely below the level of the lock plate, so it has been reconditioned, which explains why the original stock cartouches are completely gone. The original metal finish is good, showing some areas with strong original bluing, however there is also some past pitting on the lock plate, hammer, and breech block, parts that may have been replaced at some point.

The bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish and clear lands and grooves. There is some light wear and fouling in areas, but nothing major. The ejector is present, and functions correctly, though we have not tested it with real brass. The model 1873 rear sight works well, and has all the internal springs present as far as we can see, though it is a bit stiff at present.

Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, early M1873 sight, and standard ramrod. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, located in Springfield, Massachusetts. The butt plate is marked U.S., and both barrel bands are U marked. Additional marks of interest include somewhat faint 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.

This is a very nice example of a rare Springfield cadet rifle, most likely reconditioned at arsenal, ready to add to your collection.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1885
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 29 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 48 ¾ 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.