Original Item: Only One available. This is a very good 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 condition is this trapdoor carbine in .45-70 government caliber, fitted with the correct Buffington rear sight. It also comes with its original Saddle Ring and Bar on the left hand side of the wood stock, as well as the 3-piece cleaning rod stored in the butt trap.

The carbine bears Serial # 429897 on the rear of the receiver, with a nice "boxed" SWP 1889 cartouche on the left side of the stock. The serial number indicates production in approximately January 1889, per U.S. Government records, with stock inspection in the same year.

This is definitely a carbine that saw some level of service, based on the overall condition. The stock is in very good original condition, with the expected wear from age and service, but no major cracks or other damage. It shows the lovely red brown color of aged and oiled walnut, and the stock is FULLY proud over the lock plate, indicating that it has not been majorly cleaned, worn down, or reconditioned during its life. The only area with some real wear is around the saddle bar, where the ring and the attached sling has worn the wood away a bit.

The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a partly bright finish. The edges of the lands are still crisp, however the grooves definitely show some past fouling and oxidation, so the barrel was exposed to moisture at some point. Still, many carbines we see are heavily worn and oxidized, so this is still well above average. The breech block moves correctly, and the extractor is still present and functional along with the ejector, though we have not tested it with real brass. It has the correct butt stock storage compartment for the cleaning rod, and in this case it actually has the complete 3 piece cleaning rod! The ruptured shell extractor is missing, but the rod correctly screws together and stows in the compartment. The compartment is however quite difficult to open due to either some bending or past oxidation.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and the front band is U marked. The metalwork is in really nice condition, without any major oxidation issues, just some overall wear and tear, which includes some nicks and dents on the barrel. It has a lovely honest worn look to it, with an oxidized gray patina on the lock, receiver, and breech block. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and carbine Buffington 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 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 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 mostly clear: a capital 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 Buffington sight leaf is 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 used example of a legendary U.S. issue firearm, complete with the hard to find cleaning rod. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1889
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.