Original Item: Only One available. This is an interesting honest used 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, with Serial #451529 stamped on the rear of the receiver, which indicates production in approximately July 1889, per U.S. Government records. This is definitely late for a model 1873, as the Model 1884 had been in production for 5 years, and the Model 1888 with the ramrod bayonet was starting to come onto the scene. As best we can tell, this rifle was probably made as a model 1884, and had the breech block replaced with a Model 1873 example, and the rear sight replaced with a Model 1879 ladder sight. It still has the lower barrel band inlet on the top for the "Buffington" rear right, and also has the serrated trigger of the Model 1884. If there was a stock inspection cartouche on the left side, it is long gone. Definitely some interesting research potential here!

The rifle shows an overall very nice metal finish, with all the metal proofs still present. There are definitely some areas showing wear from cleaned off oxidation, such as the barrel bands and butt plate, suggesting that parts were probably swapped around. The stock is in good condition, and is still partly 'proud' over the level of the lock plate, with the rear being above the stock level. This indicates some wood loss in the wrist area, probably from cleaning during service.  It shows the lovely red-brown color of aged and oiled walnut, and the expected dents and dings from long service, especially on the left side near the lock screws. Really a nice honest used stock.

The bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish and clear lands and grooves. There are a few traces of past oxidation and some wear overall, but nothing major, and we would rate this a 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 has all the internal springs present as far as we can see, though it is a bit stiff at present.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. The metal finish is just lovely, showing an aged mottled patina in many areas, with no signs of having been refinished over the years. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels, standard model 1879 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 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 somewhat faint inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a capital A on top; 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 M1879 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 interesting example of a classic U.S. issue firearm with some great markings, and an interesting history. 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.