Item:
ONSV23AGF30

Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Rifle made in 1882 with Standard Ramrod - Serial No. 183466

Item Description

Original Item: Only One available. This is a lovely used honest 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 good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial #183466, showing an overall good metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in approximately August 1882, per U.S. Government records. The stock is in very good original condition, with lots of character and great grain. It does show denting, scratches, and some gouges, as expected on a rifle that saw real service. However, it does does not appear to have had any major repairs. The stock is still partly proud over the lock plate, so it has not been arsenal reconditioned or worn down a lot. It does not have any markings that we can see, so it possibly was a new stock fit at arsenal.

The bore is in good condition, with a mostly bright finish and clear lands and grooves. There are however areas of oxidation and fouling, showing that it definitely did see use and probably lack of cleaning for a time. We would probably rate this a 7 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 is fully functional, though the slider does wobble a bit on the ladder.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. The overall metal finish still shows some of the original bluing, with the balance mostly showing a dark gray oxidized 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 / 1873, indicating that it was manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts. This is an early pattern lock plate, but it has the correct three notch tumbler, and was most likely fit onto this rifle as an arsenal replacement.

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 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.

This is an great opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a classic U.S. issue firearm, in very nice honest used condition. 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 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.

  • 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

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