Item Description
Original Item: Only One available. This is a 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 N.G.P.. Serial number is 113783 indicates manufacture in 1879, with a faint government inspector SWP / 1879 cartouche, indicating stock inspection in the same year.
From the characteristics of the rifle, we can conclude that it was sent back to Springfield Arsenal sometime after 1884 for a refit. It had the serrated trigger, and buffington sight added, though not the round rod bayonet. The breech block is marked 1873, and the trigger guard is the early 1873 style, not the solid casting used on the 1884. The stock was also sanded down a bit, so it is no longer proud over the lock plate, however the markings are still mostly 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, and still has a lovely color.
The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. Metal finish is good, but there has definitely been some light corrosion on the metalwork, however the finish is still nice in most places. The bore is in excellent condition, with a bright finish and clear lands and grooves, so while it was in service for a long time, it was not actually fired much.
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.
The included socket bayonet is solid but with most of the original finish missing, with instead a worn gray patina. There is a clear U.S. stamp on the ricasso, and there are no major pitting issues. The scabbard is in similar condition, with a nice patina. The attached swivel frog is in good condition, with the leather worn but solid, and has an N.G.P. marked rosette on the hinge joint with the leather belt loop. This stands for the National Guard of Pennsylvania, who was issued many of these rifles. The scabbard throat is also marked on top with JAN 1886 most likely from the McKeeny Patent for this component.
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 R 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 Buffington sight leaf is marked R to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.
This is a great example of an arsenal serviced Springfield rifle, ready to add to your collection.
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1879
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
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