Item:
ON5473

Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Rifle made in 1883 with Bayonet and Scabbard - Serial No 196877

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, complete with original issue scabbard and socket bayonet, one of the best we've ever seen, condition wise. Serial # 196877 with a crisp SWP 1882 cartouche, overall good metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in 1883 and the stock is in good original condition, having been made in the previous year. There are some dents 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 sanded down at bit, as the stock is even with the lock plate. The bore is in very good condition, with sharp lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish, with a few oxidized areas in the lands.

The butt plate is marked "U.S." and both barrel bands are "U" marked. Metal finish is very nice, with little to no sign of past pitting. 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 US SPRINGFIELD, manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts.

The included socket bayonet is the best we have ever seen, and has almost all of the original blued finish, with a clear U.S. stamp on the ricasso, with what looks like an R underneath. The scabbard has some dents, but the finish is almost completely intact. The attached swivel frog is in good condition, with the leather worn but solid, and has a U.S. marked rosette on the hinge joint with the brass belt hook.

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.

If you were holding out for a great condition Springfield Trapdoor with a socket bayonet, this is what you have been waiting for.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1883
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.
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

Cash For Collectibles