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 # 385230, which indicates production in approximately December 1887, per U.S. Government records. The metalwork on the rifle has definitely been refinished at some time in the past, which has removed the proofs from the barrel, and made the serial number slightly faint. It still retains a lot of this blued finish, with some oxidation in areas like the breech block and barrel bands. 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 completely below the level of the lock plate, so it definitely has been reconditioned at some time in the past, which removed the stock cartouches.
This rifle was made after the introduction of the model 1884, however it is entirely in the model 1873 configuration. It has a smooth trigger, the two part trigger guard, and Model 1879 rear ramp sight. It still has a standard ramrod, not a ramrod bayonet, and it looks like it had the original ramrod replaced with a rare 1st model example, probably during an arsenal refit.
The bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish and clear lands and grooves. There is wear to the lands and a few traces of oxidation in the grooves, but nothing major, and we would rate this a 7-8 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 is mostly complete, just missing the "windage stops" on the sides, so it can be moved back and forth more than normal.
The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. 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 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. There are also the initials W W in front of the trigger guard, most likely from the owner at the time.
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: 1887
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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