{"product_id":"original-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-model-1873-cadet-rifle-with-standard-ramrod-made-in-1885-serial-285659","title":"Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Cadet Rifle with Standard Ramrod made in 1885 - Serial 285659","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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:\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, 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.\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. 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.\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 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\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCenter 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 \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. \/ SPRINGFIELD\u003c\/strong\u003e, manufactured at the \u003cem\u003eUnited States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield\u003c\/em\u003e, located in Springfield, Massachusetts. The butt plate is marked \u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e, and both barrel bands are \u003cstrong\u003eU\u003c\/strong\u003e marked. Additional marks of interest include somewhat faint 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a very nice example of a rare Springfield cadet rifle, most likely reconditioned at arsenal, 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: 1885\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .45-70 Government\u003cbr\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 29 1\/2 Inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 48 ¾ 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":41949472981061,"sku":"ONJR24RCAJ009","price":1195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR24RCAJ009__01.jpg?v=1723841370","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-model-1873-cadet-rifle-with-standard-ramrod-made-in-1885-serial-285659","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}