Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Rifle Made in 1878
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Original Item: Only One available. This is a wonderful 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 nice used condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber. Serial # 89306 with a partly legible SWP 1879 cartouche, overall very good metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicates that it was built at Springfield in 1878, and the stock is in fine original condition. There is some evidence of repair on the left side above the trigger guard, and a small chunk is missing on the right side near the nose cap.
The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are "U" marked. The rifle stock is somewhat worn, with the remains of a cartouche near the lower lock screw. 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 V over a P over an eagle’s head over another P on the left side just above the stock. The upper left corner of the standard sight leaf 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 in the UK.
- 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 in the UK.
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 posses, 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.
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