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 #261513 with a nice "boxed" SWP 1881 cartouche on the left side of the stock. It shows an overall good metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in approximately December 1884, per U.S. Government records, with stock inspection in 1881. Due to the early lock plate and cleaning rod, this rifle was most likely arsenal repaired at some point, and had damaged parts replaced.
The stock is in very good original condition, with lots of character and great grain. It does show minor denting and scratches, as expected on a rifle that saw real service, but still looks great and 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. The markings show light wear, but it looks to be from service and cleaning.
The bore is in excellent condition, with a bright finish showing crisp lands and grooves, There is just a tiny bit of oxidation near the muzzle, and very little sign that it saw any significant use. We would probably rate this a 9.5 out of 10, and they rarely get better than this. 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.
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 an early model 1873 "Enfield Style" 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 along with the early cleaning rod, which does not have any threads on the end.
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 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 with a fantastic bore, in very good used condition. Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1884
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.
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, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. 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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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