Item Description
Original Item: Only One available. This is VERY early 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:
MODEL
1873
Offered in good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, complete with original issue socket bayonet and scabbard marked MASS. The Serial Number is only partly legible, but appears to be 45274, but some numbers are very faint. It definitely appears to be a 5 digit, so it was almost certainly made in 1875. A model 1873 in this configuration would not have been produced in 1889, the only other option for a serial number beginning in 4.
It has an overall fair/good metal finish with barrel proofs still present. There are some dents in the wood, as expected on a rifle this age, but the stock does not appear to have had any major repairs or damage. It has the lovely red-brown color of aged oiled walnut. However, the stock has definitely been sanded down at least once, as the lock plate is proud over the surrounding stock. This unfortunately has removed the proof marks that were stamped into the stock, though there is the ghost of one between the lock screws. It most likely read ESA when legible.
The butt plate is marked U.S. / 27 and both barrel bands are U marked. Metal finish is good, but there has definitely been past cleaning on a lot of it. This is definitely a rifle that saw much service and use. The bore is good, with clear rifling visible and a partly bright finish, but it definitely has some fouling and wear from use.
Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, standard sliding sight, and standard ramrod. Lock is marked with an eagle and US SPRINGFIELD, manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts. Due to past corrosion, the lock plate markings are somewhat difficult to read.
The included socket bayonet is in very good condition, solid but with a lot of the original finish present, though there is some rust peppering throughout.. There is a clear U.S. stamp on the ricasso, and the bayonet is definitely in solid condition, with no major pitting issues. The scabbard is in a similar condition. The attached swivel frog is in good condition, with the leather worn but solid, and has an MASS marked rosette on the hinge joint with the brass belt hook. This stands for the National Guard of Massachusetts, who was issued many of these rifles. Additionally the back of the leather belt loop is stamped WATERVLIET, for the Watervliet Arsenal on the West Bank of the Hudson in New York State.
Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel, which are faint: a V over a P over an eagle's head on the left side just above the stock. The upper right corner of the standard sliding sight leaf and the left side of the ramp are marked R to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine. Sight is in very good condition.
This is a great example of a service used Springfield rifle, ready to add to your collection.
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1875
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 Inches
Overall Length: 52 Inches
Action type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.
Feed System: Single Shot
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.
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.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
