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 used 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 414055, indicates production in approximately August 1888, per U.S. Government records. We checked the stock, and unfortunately the original stock cartouches are completely worn away. The carbine has an overall very nice metal finish, with all proofs still present, and shows much of the original bluing in areas, now worn towards plum on the barrel. The stock is in very good condition, with a lovely color, however it is now well above the level of the stock, indicating that it was reconditioned at arsenal at some point. This removed a good amount of wood, particularly around the wrist area, which is where the original markings would have been. There are a few dents and scratches, but we do not see any major damage such as cracks or past repairs.

The bore is in good condition, showing a partly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is wear to the lands, and we can see some past oxidation and fouling in the grooves, which has caused some erosion to the barrel surface. It looks like it saw a good amount of use, and may not have been properly cleaned for a time after use. The breech block has an intact freely moving firing pin and moves correctly, with the extractor and ejector both still present and functional, though we have not tested them 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, which in this case still retains a three piece cleaning rod and ruptured casing extractor! The cleaning rod looks to have been refinished at some point, or was an unissued arsenal spare, and the cartridge extractor is not the correct type for this era.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and the front band is U marked, as is correct, and the metalwork overall shows worn plum patina from years of use and cleaning. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and a working 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.

Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel, which are still clear: an A 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 is marked R, while the left side of the ramp is marked C to, which indicates that the sight was probably damaged in the past, and had the incorrect ladder added.

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

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1888
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.