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 # 169032* with a nice SWP 1881 cartouche, overall good metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in 1882, and the stock is in good original condition, having been made the previous year. The star suffix (five-petal flower) was used by Springfield to denote arms 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. An order was issued, in late 1879, for all arms below 50,000 to be turned in. Parts from those guns which were turned in, but having new receivers, barrels and stocks, are the starred arms. That is how this rifle came to have a 1873 dated lock, from the first year of production.
There are some 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 or damage. The stock has been worn down at bit, as the stock is only slightly proud over the lock plate in areas. However it has a beautiful red-brown color that only aged oiled walnut has. The right side of the butt stock is marked S.P.T.L., an interesting research opportunity.
The bore is in very good condition, with a bright finish and crisp lands and grooves, and some light oxidation in places. Probably a 9 out of 10. The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. Metal finish is a nice lightly worn gray color, with a bit of peppering in places. 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 U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / 1873, 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 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 excellent opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a classic U.S. issue firearm, with a VERY early lock. Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1882
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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