Item:
ON9851

Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Rifle made in 1878 - Serial No 85118

Item Description

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 excellent condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber. Serial # 85118 with a legible SWP 1877 cartouche, overall good metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicated production in 1878  and the stock is in good original condition. There are some small chips and dents as expected on a rifle this age, but the stock does not appear to have been refinished or had any major repairs. The edges are still somewhat proud over the lock plate. It does have some finger marks on the underside where it would be held during use. The bore shows clear lands and grooves, and is mostly bright, with some 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.  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", manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts.

The elegant script SWP belongs to Samuel W. Porter, who was the Master Armorer and Chief Inspector of Springfield Armory from 15 September 1879 to 18 June 1894. A stylized P in a circle under the wrist of the stock indicates that the rifle passed all of its overpressure proof testing. Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a capital A on top; 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 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.

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

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