Original Item: Only One available. This is a nice service used 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:

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 150630★ with a nice partial "boxed" SWP 1886 cartouche, overall worn metal finish with most proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in approximately December 1880, per U.S. Government records, with stock inspection in 1886. This means that it was almost certainly sent back to arsenal to be refurbished in 1886, after which new proof marks were added to the stock.

The "Star" after the serial number has been a cause of debate for years, but it is generally accepted to mean that it was "made with a combination of new and salvaged parts, to be held in reserve, or issued to and/or used by groups like the National Guard." (Please See the website trapdoorcollector.com for more information). We assume this rifle was made as a Model 1873, and then was returned to arsenal after some type of damage, probably to the stock. It was then reassembled using "salvage" parts as a Model 1873, with the only "upgraded" part being the serrated trigger from the Model 1884. It retains the M1879 "ramp" ladder sight, standard ramrod, and two part trigger guard.

The stock is in very good original condition, with lots of character and great grain. There are small dents and scratches in the wood, as expected on a rifle this age, but the stock does not appear to have had any major repairs. The stock is still mostly proud over the lock plate and the cartouches are clear, so it has not been worn down much or reconditioned, though there is some cracking and chipping around the lock plate.

The bore is definitely in fair condition, and shows significant use and lack of cleaning afterwards. We still can see rifling on about 2/3 of the barrel, close to the chamber where the finish is still partly bright. Near the muzzle however it is quite oxidized and dark. 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 due to dried grease.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. Metal finish is well worn, with some light peppering in areas on the barrel. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, upper sling swivel with stacking swivel, the lower sling swivel missing. It features a standard Model 1879 sliding sight, and standard ramrod, which has had the jag on the end cut off. Lock is marked with a Federal Eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in 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. 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 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 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.

This is an great opportunity to pick up a very nice service used example of a classic U.S. issue firearm with some interesting history. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1880
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 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.