Item Description
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:
U.S.
MODEL
1873
Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, fitted with a correct pattern 1879 rear ladder "ramp" sight. It also comes with its original Saddle Ring and Bar on the left hand side of the wood stock. The serial # 176497* indicates production in 1882, before the introduction of the Buffington sight. The "Star" after the serial number has been a cause of debate for years, but it is generally accepted to mean that it was "made with a combination of new and salvaged parts, to be held in reserve, or issued to and/or used by groups like the National Guard." (Please See the website trapdoorcollector.com for more information).
There is unfortunately no way to tell whether this rifle was returned to arsenal after production, or whether it was originally produced using the "salvaged" parts. The carbine has an overall good metal finish, with all proofs still present. The stock is also in very good condition, with a lovely color, though it has definitely been refurbished, most likely several times. The level of the wood is now below the level of the hardware throughout the weapon.
The bore is in good condition, with a partly bright finish and clear lands and grooves. There are areas of fouling and oxidation, so it definitely did see some amount of service. 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/guard is U marked. The metalwork has been worn to a lovely faded blue patina overall. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and carbine M1879 rear "ramp" ladder sight. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts.
Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel, which are still clear: a V over a P over an eagle's head over another P on the left side just above the stock. The upper left corner of the sight leaf and right side of the ramp are both marked C to indicate that the sight graduations are for a carbine and not a rifle.
This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a very good example of a legendary U.S. issue firearm. Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1882
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.
- 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, 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.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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