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 on the receiver is 148835, which indicates production in approximately March 1881, per U.S. Government records. It features the correct Model 1879 rear ladder right, and does not appear to have been upgraded from the original configuration. It still has the correct two part trigger guard, smooth trigger, and carbine butt plate with a rotating door for storing a cleaning rod.

The carbine has an overall very good metal finish, with all proofs still present. There is not any major pitting or peppering on the exterior, and the original blued finish is well retained, though it looks like some of the fittings were reblued at some point. The stock is in good condition, with a lovely color. It does show wear, especially on the left hand side (probably from the saddle), 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.

The bore is in excellent condition with crisp lands and grooves and a bright finish, really one of the best we have ever seen on a carbine. It does not look to have seen much use in firing at all. The breech block moves correctly, and the extractor is still present and functional, 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, and some areas looking to have been reblued. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and fully functional carbine M1879 rear ladder sight. Lock is marked with an eagle to the left of U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts.

A very 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 great example of a legendary U.S. issue firearm. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1881
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.