Original Item: Only One available. This is a lovely honest used example of the classic Springfield trapdoor rifle, complete with an original bayonet in a U.S. scabbard with a fully intact belt frog. This was 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:

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, with Serial #108022 stamped on the rear of the receiver, which indicates production in approximately June 1879, per U.S. Government records. The left side of the stock has a slightly faint oval cartouche marked ESA / 1878, for inspection in the previous calendar year. It shows an overall good metal finish with all proofs still present, and no sign of refinishing or refurbishing. This rifle looks to be "ALL ORIGINAL" with no signs of having parts swapped out over the years.

The stock is in very good condition, and looks to have had a bit of cleaning done over the years. It now has a lovely smooth finish, and the stock is still partly proud over the lock plate, so it was not worn down excessively during cleaning servicing over the years. there are a few dents and small gouges, but nothing out of line with use in service.

The bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish and clear lands and grooves. There are a few traces of past oxidation and some wear overall, but nothing major, and we would rate this a 7-8 out of 10. The ejector is present, and functions correctly, though we have not tested it with real brass. The model 1879 rear sight works well, and has all the internal springs present as far as we can see, though it is a bit stiff at present.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. The metal finish is just lovely, showing the original bluing faded to a lovely worn plum patina. The receiver and breech block show a bit of the original case hardening, with the rest faded to a mottled patina. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, standard model 1879 sliding sight, and standard ramrod. Lock is marked with a Federal Eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, indicating that it was manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The elegant script ESA cartouche belongs to Erskine S. Allin, the Master Armorer at Springfield Armory from 1853 until 1878. He oversaw the development of the Model 1855, 1861, and 1863 Springfield muskets. It was also his design for a breechloading conversion that became the Springfield Trapdoor Rifle in 1873.

The 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 somewhat faint inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a capital R on top; 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 M1879 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.

The included bayonet is the classic 1873 style triangular socket bayonet marked U.S., which is in excellent condition, with virtually all of the original finish retained. It comes in its original steel scabbard, also in excellent condition, which has a later pattern leather frog and swivel belt loop, with the rosette marked U.S.. It is marked on the back with ROCK ISLAND / ARSENAL / 1904, and overall the leather is in great shape. The metal portion of the scabbard shows the original blued finish well, with just a bit of light oxidation.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a great example of a classic U.S. issue firearm with some great markings, complete with its original bayonet and scabbard. Ready to display!

Specifications (Rifle):-

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

Specifications (Bayonet):-

Blade Length: 18"
Blade Style: Triangular
Overall length: 21“
Scabbard Length: 18 3/8"

NOTE: 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.

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, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. 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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.