Item:
ON7691

Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Rifle with Sling made in 1882 - Serial No 172851

Item Description

Original Item: Only One available. This is a very nice 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. It is fitted with an original issue Trapdoor and Krag rifle leather sling, the standard U.S. rifle sling until 1907. The breech block is marked:

U.S.
MODEL
1873

Offered in excellent condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 175851 (somewhat worn) with a crisp SWP 1884 cartouche, overall good metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in 1882, and the stock is in good original condition, having been made two years later. Often receivers were finished and not mounted to stocks until later, so this is common.

There are some small dents and scratches in the wood, as expected on a rifle this age, but the stock does not appear to have had any major repairs or damage. The stock has been sanded down at bit, as the stock is only slightly proud over the lock plate in areas.  However it has a beautiful red-brown color that only aged oiled walnut has. There is a silver-plated brass plaque on the right side of the stock, with engraved initial J, and the butt stock spine has rack number 64 stamped.

The bore is in very good condition, with a bright finish and crisp lands and grooves, and some light oxidation in places. Probably a 9 out of 10. The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. Metal finish is a nice lightly worn gray color, with a bit of peppering in places. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, standard sliding sight, and standard ramrod. Lock is marked with an eagle and US SPRINGFIELD, manufactured by Springfield Armory, 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. A stylized P in a circle under the wrist of the stock indicates that the rifle passed all of its overpressure proof testing, and next to this is stamped rack number 20. 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, and an A over the chamber. The upper right corner of the standard 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.

The sling is in good condition, with the leather mostly soft, though there is some cracking around the swivel areas. Both the large and small keeper loops are present, as is the original brass stud.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a classic U.S. issue firearm, complete with an original sling. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1882
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.
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Cash For Collectibles