{"product_id":"original-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-model-1873-converted-to-blunderbuss-blank-fire-prop-gun-for-1960-swiss-family-robinson-movie","title":"Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Converted to Blunderbuss Blank Fire Prop Gun for 1960 \"Swiss Family Robinson\" Movie","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe prop gun still has the original markings visible on the breech block:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003cbr\u003eMODEL\u003cbr\u003e1873\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rear of the receiver is marked with serial number \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e186511\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, which indicates production in approximately \u003cstrong\u003eOctober 1882\u003c\/strong\u003e, per U.S. Government records. 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. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Genuine Movie Gun from a very famous Movie, Ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1882 - converted c.1960\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .45-70 Government - BLANK ONLY\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 26 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 44 1\/2 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45131818664005,"sku":"ONSV26GTGS072","price":1295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/EFFD60DD-D06B-4FD6-A4B3-4D745EA8EF04.jpg?v=1781118315","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-model-1873-converted-to-blunderbuss-blank-fire-prop-gun-for-1960-swiss-family-robinson-movie","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}