Original Item: Only One available. This is a very nice 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. The breech block is marked:

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, complete with its original Saddle Ring and Bar on the left hand side of the wood stock. The serial number is 131918, and there is a legible SWP 1880 cartouche on the left side of the wrist. The serial number indicates production in approximately July 1880, per U.S. Government records, with stock inspection in the same year. The carbine has an overall very good metal finish, with all proofs still present, and shows a lovely lightly used patina. There is not any major pitting or peppering on the exterior, and the original blued finish has faded a bit, with no signs of major cleaning or restoration.

The stock is in good condition, with a lovely color. It does show some wear, but does not appear to have been refurbished at any time. The stock is still at or just above (proud) the level of the lock plate, which indicates that it has not had wood removed, which would be done if it ha been refurbished. While it does show some minor dents and dings, there are no cracks or repairs we can see, and it has a lovely dark red brown color with great grain.

The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a partly bright finish. There is wear to the lands, and some past fouling and oxidation present, so this is definitely a carbine that saw a good amount of use while in service. The breech block moves correctly, and the extractor is still present, however the spring inside appears to be broken or missing. We have not tested it on real brass to see if it can still eject. though we have not tested it with real brass. The saddle ring bar is still present, with the correct saddle ring present. It has the correct butt stock storage compartment for the cleaning rod, though it is unfortunately empty.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and the front band is U marked. The metalwork has been is in really nice condition, without any major oxidation issues, just some light peppering in areas, particularly on the lock plate. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and a working carbine M1879 rear ladder sight that is a bit stiff. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in 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 faint stylized 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, which are still clear: an R over the chamber, as well as 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 M1879 standard sliding sight leaf and the left side of the ramp are marked C to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a lovely example of a legendary U.S. issue firearm. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1880
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 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 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.

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, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. 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.