Item Description
Original Item: Only One available. This is a very interesting 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. This rifle was apparently in service for many years, and was probably sent back to Springfield Armory at least once for a refit, which has resulted in a gun with a very interesting history.
The breech block is marked:
MODEL
1873
(EAGLE)
(CROSSED ARROWS)
U.S.
Offered in very nice condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 95332 with overall good metal finish and most metal proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in 1878, however it has a very early breech block, which would usually only been seen on rifles made in 1873-74. Additionally, the lock looks to be from an 1861 Springfield, with an Allin conversion hammer and tumbler. It also has a Buffington adjustable sight, which was introduced as part of the Model 1884 Springfield.
From what we can tell, it looks like this Springfield trapdoor cam back to arsenal, probably with a heavily damaged stock. The receiver and barrel were still good, so they were then mated with the stock from an earlier Springfield Allin Conversion of a Model 1861 Rifled Musket. The lock from that was kept with the stock, as was the lower barrel band. While there, the rifle also had its rear sight updated to the 1884 Buffington sight. This may seem a lot of work, but it was still far cheaper than building an entirely new rifle from scratch, and it may have also been sent back in the 1890s, once the original production of Trapdoors was concluded. A very interesting research project, to be sure!
Regarding condition, the stock and metalwork are quite nice. They show wear and age, but no to an excessive degree. There are some cracks near the front lock screw, and there is a repair near the hammer, probably replacing damaged wood during conversion of the stock. There is also an inspector cartouche by the lock screws, but we cannot quite make them out. It does have the usual dents, scratches and small chips expected from a rifle of this age, but the color and grain are absolutely lovely. The metalwork has faded to a lovely dark brown/black patina, with some areas of finish wear. The bore is clean, and shows some rifling, but it is quite worn. This is definitely a rifle that saw extensive use and service.
The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. As with all Springfield 1873's, it is a center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels (stacking swivel is missing), Buffington sight, and a standard Allin conversion cleaning rod.. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / TRENTON, meaning the lock and most likely the stock were made by the Trenton Locomotive and Machine Company, Trenton, New Jersey. This was one of many contractors brought in to help meet the demand for Springfield rifle muskets during the early years of the Civil War. The date on the tail was probably removed to avoid confusion.
Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a capital B on top; and 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 Buffington sight leaf is 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 nice example of a classic U.S. issue firearm. Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1878
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 no able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.
- 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. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". 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.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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