Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Rifle fitted with Buffington Sight - Serial No 73735
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Original Item: Only One available. This is a very nice example of the classic Springfield trapdoor 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:
U.S.
MODEL
1873
Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber. Serial # 73735, overall good metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicated production in 1876 and the stock is in good original condition. Additionally this example was retrofitted at arsenal with a Buffington Adjustable sight, a new rear sight which had been designed by Lieutenant Colonel Adelbert R. Buffington of the U.S. Army Ordnance Department. These are usually only seen on model 1884s, though the sight was not perfected until 1885.
There are some small chips and dents as expected on a rifle this age, and the stock has definitely been sanded down at least once, so the lock plate is proud over the stock. However it has a great color, with lots of character. The bore is in excellent condition, with clear lands and grooves, and is bright, with little signs of wear.
The butt plate is marked "U.S." and both barrel bands are "U" marked. Metal finish shows some traces of past pitting, and a lot of the bluing on the fittings is worn off. There is some woodline rust pitting on the barrel. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels, standard sliding sight, and standard ramrod. Lock is marked with an eagle and US SPRINGFIELD over 1873, manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts.
Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: and a V over a P over an eagle's head over another P on the left side just above the stock. The upper right corner of the Buffington Adjustable Sight is marked R to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.
Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are no able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are no 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. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". 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.
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