{"product_id":"original-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-model-1873-rifle-shortened-to-artillery-carbine-made-in-1884-serial-243476","title":"Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Rifle Shortened to Artillery Carbine Made in 1884 - Serial 243476","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One available. This is a very interesting example of the classic Springfield trapdoor rifle, which was shortened by about 7 inches during service to a nice \"Artillery Carbine\" length. We have seen a few of these previously, and we're not sure if this was an official pattern from Springfield, or one used at state and local arsenals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis was 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eU.S.\u003cbr\u003eMODEL\u003cbr\u003e1873\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, with Serial \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e#243476\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e stamped on the rear of the receiver, which indicates production in approximately \u003cstrong\u003eMay 1884\u003c\/strong\u003e, per U.S. Government records. The stock is in very good original condition, with lots of character and a great dark red-brown color showing lovely grain. It is however below the level of the lock plate and other fittings, so it definitely was reconditioned at arsenal when it was shortened. This unfortunately has removed all of the original stock cartouches that would have been present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bore is in excellent condition, with a bright finish and crisp lands and grooves. It looks to have seen only light use, and was properly cleaned after the last time it was used. We can see just a bit of past fouling in the grooves. The breech block moves correctly, and the extractor is still present and functional along with the ejector, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe butt plate is marked \u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e and both barrel bands are \u003cstrong\u003eU\u003c\/strong\u003e marked. The metal finish is just lovely, with the original blued finish faded to plum overall, with no signs of major past oxidation on the exterior. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, standard model 1879 sliding sight, and standard ramrod (cut down). Lock is marked with a\u003cstrong\u003e Federal Eagle\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. \/ SPRINGFIELD\u003c\/strong\u003e, indicating that it was manufactured at the \u003cem\u003eUnited States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield\u003c\/em\u003e, in Springfield, Massachusetts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: an \u003cstrong\u003eR\u003c\/strong\u003e over the chamber, and a \u003cstrong\u003eV\u003c\/strong\u003e over a \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e over an \u003cstrong\u003eeagle's head\u003c\/strong\u003e over another \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003eR\u003c\/strong\u003e to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an excellent opportunity to pick up a very interesting example of a classic U.S. issue firearm. Ready to research and display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1884\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .45-70 Government\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 25 1\/2 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 45 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42658021965893,"sku":"ONJR25MARA004","price":1195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25MARA004__02.jpg?v=1744668646","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-model-1873-rifle-shortened-to-artillery-carbine-made-in-1884-serial-243476","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}