Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Saddle Ring Cavalry Carbine - circa 1876
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Original Item: Only One available. This is a nice service used example of the classic Springfield trapdoor Cavalry 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 good condition is this trapdoor carbine is in .45-70 government caliber, with a partial SWP cartouche on the stock. The overall metal finish shows a lot of peppering from surface oxidation, now cleaned away. Unfortunately this has made the original proofs on the barrel impossible to see, and the serial number is mostly removed as well. It has the correct two part trigger guard, and the rear sight is the earliest pattern Model 1873 sight, in use until 1877. However, it does have a serrated trigger, which would indicate that it saw arsenal servicing at some point during its long service life.
The stock on this example is in good condition, though there is a repaired crack running partway through the wrist, right around where the stock cartouche is. It looks to have been pinned and repaired long ago. The bore is in good condition, with clear lands and grooves, and a partly bright finish. There is however some oxidation in the grooves, and definitely wear to the lands. The breech block extractor is present and functional, though we have not tested the ability to eject an actual spent cartridge. The butt stock has the correct storage compartment for the cleaning rod, though it is unfortunately empty.
The butt plate is marked U.S. and the barrel band is U marked. Metal finish is overall worn to a nice gray patina, with areas of past peppering. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, no sling swivels, and a standard rear ladder sight. It still has the correct saddle ring bar with an intact sliding ring to attach to the sling. 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. The clear stylized P in a circle under the wrist of the stock indicates that the rifle passed all of its overpressure proof testing.
This is a great opportunity to pick up a rare example of a Springfield Trapdoor Carbine in very good condition, ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: circa 1876
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.
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