Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The model 1873 "Trapdoor" Springfield was the first standard-issue breech-loading rifle adopted by the United States Army. The gun, in both full-length and carbine versions, was widely used in subsequent battles against the American Indians. It 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 model 1873 was the fifth variation of the Allin trapdoor design, which was originally developed by Erskine S. Allin to convert Springfield model 1861 and 1863 rifled muskets into breech-loading cartridge firearms. The rifle was named for its hinged breechblock, which opened like a trapdoor. The infantry rifle model featured a 325⁄8-inch (829 mm) barrel, while the cavalry carbine used a 22-inch (560 mm) barrel. Both were chambered for the new .45-70 "Government" cartridge.
As the barrel was slightly less wide than the rifled muskets it replaced, the design of the current bayonet required alteration of the socket. Aside from this, the bayonet design was identical to the Rifled Musket version. It consists of a standard socket, which locks over the barrel and front sight, and has an attached 18 inch long triangular hollow-ground blade.
This example is excellent, with lots of the original bluing present, and just a bit of wear around the socket. The socket is not deformed at all, with a smooth moving lock, which we have tested on several original Springfield Trapdoor 1873 rifles. It still has the original U.S. marking on the blade ricasso, and is one of the best examples we have ever had.
The bayonet comes complete with its original steel scabbard, with attached belt frog. The scabbard is in condition similar to the bayonet: excellent with loads of the original blued finish. You can even see the zig-zag seam on the front of the scabbard, which is where the steel was joined together. The leather frog is worn, but still functional. It has an attached brass belt hook, with a large U.S. rosette on the hinge.
An excellent U.S. Trapdoor socket bayonet, complete with original scabbard. Ready to fit to your Springfield 1873 Trapdoor Rifle!
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