Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Saddle Ring Carbine made in 1875 - Serial No 45475
-
Original Item: Only One available. This is an excellent example of the classic Springfield trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine, the weapon used by the troopers of the 7th Cavalry that met their fate at the Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876. It was made in 1875, so it was actually around at the time, though it is very doubtful it was involved.
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 # 45475 indicates production in 1875, with a worn government inspector SWP / 1881 cartouche, indicating the stock inspection several years later. This most likely indicates that at some point the carbine was returned to arsenal for a refit. The stock is well below the lock plate level, so it was probably sanded down, and then re-inspected.
The carbine is in good condition with overall good metal finish with all proofs still present. It has the correct saddle bar with one ring installed, and a stacking swivel on the single barrel band. The barrel has lots of bluing remaining, and there is even case hardening on the breech block and receiver. The stock is in good shape, with a lovely red brown color, and the usual dings and dents expected of a rifle that was in service. There is no major damage that we can see. The bore is in excellent condition, with a bright finish and crisp lands and grooves, so while this rifle was in service for a long time, it was fired very little, if at all.
The butt plate is marked U.S. and the barrel band is U marked. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and standard carbine rear ladder sight. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / 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 partial 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 inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: an A on top of the chamber, and a V over a P over an eagle's head over another P on the left side just above the stock. There is also a C on the sight ladder, indicating that it is for a Carbine and not a rifle.
This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a very rare and early example of a Springfield Trapdoor Carbine. Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1875 - refit 1881
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 21.5 Inches
Overall Length: 41 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
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.
We Buy Military Antiques
Our team expert buyers travels the world to pay fair prices for entire estate collections to singular items.
START SELLING TODAY
