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 very nice condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 264564 with a faintly legible SWP 1884 cartouche, overall good metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in 1885, with final inspection in the 1884. Due to the calendar and fiscal years being different for half the year, this type of mismatch is common. 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 mostly proud over the lock plate, so it has not been worn down or 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 very good condition, with a mostly bright finish and clear lands and grooves. There is some wear and traces of oxidation in the grooves, but nothing major, and we would rate this a 8-9 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.
The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. Metal finish is a very nice plum patina, with some peppering and light pitting in areas, particularly on the right side of the receiver and lock plate. 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 an eagle and [U.S. ]/ SPRINGFIELD, which is partly illegible due to a spot of pitting on the lock plate. This indicates 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. Ready to display!
Specifications-
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
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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