Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Rifle made in 1885 with Socket Bayonet - Serial 263950
Item Description
Original Item: Only One available. This is a 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 very good service used condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, complete with an original socket bayonet. Serial # 264226 is marked on the rear of the receiver, indicating production in 1885. The metalwork has a lovely aged patina, with all proofs still present. The stock is in very good original condition, with lots of character, and a great dark brown red color. There are the expected dings, dents, and other wear expected for a rifle that was in service for some time. The stock is also completely below the level of the stock, so it definitely has been cleaned and worn down, and probably also arsenal reconditioned.
This rifle was made during the introduction of the model 1884, however it is almost entirely in the model 1873 configuration. It only has the serrated trigger, and still has the two part trigger guard and Model 1879 rear ramp sight.
The bore is in good service used condition, showing clear lands and grooves, but also wear and oxidation in the grooves. This is definitely a rifle that saw significant use during service. The ejector is present, and functions correctly, though we have not tested it with real brass.
Metal finish is a nice gray patina, showing years of careful cleaning, 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, manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts. The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked.
The included socket bayonet is in very good condition, and much of the original blued finish, with a clear U.S. stamp on the ricasso. There are a few areas of light surface rusting on the socket and blade. It looks like the bayonet was lacquered at some point in the past to protect it, which we have left intact.
There is still a ghost of the stylized P in a circle under the wrist of the stock, indicating 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, and a small R over the chamber. 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 service used example of a classic U.S. issue firearm. Complete with bayonet and ready to display!
Specifications (Rifle):-
Year of Manufacture: 1885
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
Specifications (Bayonet):-
Blade Length: 18"
Blade Style: Triangular
Overall length: 21“
Scabbard Length: 18 3/8"
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.
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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 not 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.
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