Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Rifle made in 1887 with Ramrod & 1st Model Sight - Serial 348303
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 # 348303, which indicates production in approximately January 1887, per U.S. Government records. The metalwork shows an overall lightly oxidized patina, with some peppering in areas, especially on the barrel. The stock is in very good original condition, with lots of character and great grain, showing the lovely red brown color of oiled aged walnut. It is at or below the level of the lock plate, so it looks to have seen an arsenal reconditioning. There is just the "ghost" of a boxed SWP / 1890 cartouches on the left side of the stock. 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.
This rifle was made after the introduction of the model 1884, however it definitely shows signs of an arsenal or armorer refit, possibly from salvaged parts in 1890. It is mostly in the model 1873 configuration, with the two part trigger guard and standard ramrod. However, it has the updated model 1884 serrated trigger, while also featuring a 1st model 1873 rear sliding sight. The upper barrel band also has no provision for a stacking swivel, just the sling swivel.
The bore is in very good condition, with a bright finish and clear lands and grooves. There is some wear to the lands, but the bore is very clean, so we would rate this at an 8- 9 out of 10. The ejector is present, however the spring portion is non functional or missing. It could possibly still eject, but we have not tested it with real brass. The model 1873 rear sight works well, without any issues to note.
The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels, 1st model 1873 sliding sight, and standard ramrod. Lock is marked with a Federal Eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, indicating that it was manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in 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. A VERY 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 A on top; and a V over a P over an Eagle's head over another P on the left side just above the stock.
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.
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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 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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