Original Item: Only One available. This is a very nice patinated 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 service 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 137503, and there are TRACES of what we believe was an SWP 1880 cartouche on the left side of the wrist. We can definitely see that the last number is a "0", but the rest is unclear. The serial number indicates production in approximately October 1880, per U.S. Government records, with stock inspection in the same year. The carbine has an overall service worn metal finish, with all proofs still present, and shows a lovely light gray matte patina. There are some traces of past peppering and light pitting on the exterior, particularly near the wood line and also on the lock plate.

The stock is in very good service used condition, with a lovely color, and is now about even with the level of the lock plate due to wear. It does not show any signs of having been arsenal reconditioned, and has a lovely red brown walnut color with some great grain. There are areas of damage and some missing chunks, such as next to the receiver tang on the left side, and also near the breech axis pin. This really has the look of a carbine that was REALLY THERE, out on the frontier. There are even some rack numbers on the butt stock, including A / 24 on the left side, and TROOP A on the spine next to the butt plate.

The bore is in good used condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a partly bright finish. There is wear to the lands, and some past fouling and oxidation present, so this is definitely a carbine that saw a good amount of use while in service. The breech block has an intact freely moving firing pin and moves correctly, with the extractor still present and functional, though we have not tested it with real brass. The ejector in the bottom of the breech is present as well. 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 is empty.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and the front band is U marked, as is correct, and the metalwork overall shows a light gray worn 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.

The faint 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. A 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 carbine and not a rifle.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a lovely frontier-worn 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.