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 carbine in .45-70 government caliber, with its original Saddle Ring and Bar on the left hand side of the wood stock. The serial # 140490 indicates production in approximately November 1880, per U.S. Government records. The carbine has an overall good metal finish with all proofs still present. The stock is in very good condition, with the lovely red brown color only seen on oiled aged walnut. It shows some scuffing and light denting, but otherwise is in great shape. It is still partly proud over the lock plate, and does not show much wear, however there are no stock cartouches, so it possibly was replaced at arsenal at some point
The bore is in very good condition, with a bright finish and clear lands and grooves. There definitely is some overall wear and past oxidation though, so this carbine definitely did see service, but was carefully cleaned and serviced after use. 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, however it is unfortunately empty.
The butt plate is marked U.S. and the front band is U marked. The metalwork has been worn to a lovely faded blue patina overall, with signs of arsenal rebluing on the breech block and lock plate. 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 and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Interestingly, the top of the front receiver is stamped with MASS, indicating that it was issued to the state, most likely for a militia or National Guard unit. Definitely some good research potential here!
Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel, which are still clear: a capital R over the chamber, and 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 very good 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.
- 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 not 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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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