Item:
ON13268

Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Rifle made in 1883 with Standard Ramrod - Serial No. 208779*

Item Description

Original Item: Only One available. This is a great 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 # 208779* with a nice "boxed" SWP 1882 cartouche, overall good metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in approximately May 1883, per U.S. Government records, with stock inspection in 1882. Due to the calendar and fiscal years being different for half the year, this type of mismatch is common.

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). There is unfortunately no way to tell whether this rifle was returned to arsenal after production, or whether it was originally produced using the "salvaged" parts. However everything is correct for 1883 production, including the two part trigger guard, smooth trigger, and M1879 "ramp" style rear sight.

The stock is in very good original condition, with lots of character and great grain. 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. The stock is still partly proud over the lock plate and the cartouches are clear, so it has not been worn down much or reconditioned.

The bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish and clear lands and grooves. There are a few traces of oxidation in the grooves, but nothing major, and we would rate this a 9 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 has all the internal springs present as far as we can see, though not the windage stops on the sides.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. Metal finish is a very nice worn blued patina, with just a bit of light peppering in areas on the barrel. 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, indicating that it was 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. The faint 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 example of a classic U.S. issue firearm, in great lightly used condition. Ready to display!

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 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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