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:

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial #464535 with a nice "boxed" SWP 1888 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 August 1889, per U.S. Government records, with stock inspection in 1888. Due to the calendar and fiscal years being different for half the year, this type of mismatch is common.

The rifle is fitted with a First Model 1873 rear sight and non inlet barrel band, but we can see that originally it had a larger sight, most likely a Buffington adjustable sight. In 1889 is is very unlikely that a rifle would be assembled with the features of this rifle, which also include the standard ramrod, two part trigger guard, and smooth trigger. This rifle looks to have been arsenal serviced at some point, and parts swapped around, which was very common during the period.

The stock is in very good original condition, with lots of character and great grain. It does show denting, scratches, and some gouges, as expected on a rifle that saw real service. However, it does does not appear to have had any major repairs. The stock is still mostly proud over the lock plate and the cartouches are clear, so it has not been arsenal reconditioned.

The bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish and clear lands and grooves. There are a few traces of oxidation and wear overall, but nothing major, and we would rate this a 9 out of 10. The ejector is present, and functions correctly, though it is stiff and we have not tested it with real brass. The model 1873 rear sight works well, with no issues to note.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. There is also a rack number D / 17 on the butt plate, so it was probably issued to a state arsenal. Metal finish is a very nice worn plum patina, with just a bit of light peppering in areas. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, standard 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. The 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. 

This is an great opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a classic U.S. issue firearm, in very nice honest used condition. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1889
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.

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.