Original Item: Only One available. Here we have a very interesting example of a Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Rifle, which was modified during the 20th century by film armorers to become a blank firing movie prop gun. In this case, the action and lock were removed and fit into a prop Blunderbuss, which has a lovely long stock and is fitted with a 26 cast white metal "barrel". For the movies the overall appearance, as well as the flash and bang, were the key needs, as well as being able to be easily reloaded for firing. Plentiful on the surplus market, Springfield trapdoors fitted this need perfectly, and we have had several examples previously of film prop guns made using the action. The lock and action on this example have not been modified, except that they have been nickel plated. Sometimes we see these with the hammer and even the breech block and lock plate altered to look like a flintlock.

From the information we received with the prop gun, this movie was used in the 1960 Disney Film "Swiss Family Robinson", about a Swiss family moving to a colony in New Guinea to escape from the Napoleonic Wars. The ship they are on is attacked by pirates, and they eventually end up on an uninhabited island. The family makes a life for themselves, while they have further encounters with pirates. The climax of the film is a battle with the pirates, and this prop gun was used as a background blank fire weapon during the scene, and after the film was put into storage. Unfortunately there is no documentation to come with the prop gun, and we were not able to locate any scenes where it is visible.

The prop gun still has the original markings visible on the breech block:

The rear of the receiver is marked with serial number 186511, which indicates production in approximately October 1882, per U.S. Government records. 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. We checked the breech block, and it locks closed securely, only opening when it is unlocked with the lever. The extractor is still present and functional along with the ejector, though we have not tested the action with real brass. We checked the lock, and it has all three positions on the tumbler, and correctly will only fire at full cock.

A Genuine Movie Gun from a very famous Movie, Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1882 - converted c.1960
Caliber: .45-70 Government - BLANK ONLY
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 26 Inches
Overall Length: 44 1/2 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 most US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for 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.