Item Description
Original Item: Only One available. This is a very nice and interesting 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
1884
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. Interestingly, the lock was replaced with a rare 1st pattern lock dated 1873, which even has the very early "Two Notch" tumbler, lacking the first notch usually seen. It definitely was not built this way, so we assume that it was serviced and possibly refurbished by a state or militia armorer.
The serial # 452164 indicates production in approximately July 1889, per U.S. Government records, so it definitely would normally have been made with a standard lock. This is definitely a carbine that saw some level of service, based on the overall condition. The stock is in good original condition, with the expected wear from age and service. It is at or below the level of the lock plate, so it definitely does look to have been reconditioned at some point, removing dents and scratches from the exterior. This unfortunately removed all of the stock markings.
The bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish and clear lands and grooves. There is however wear, and traces of past oxidation and fouling overall, now polished bright. 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. The stock has the correct butt stock storage compartment, and still has the Three Piece Cleaning rod and ruptured cartridge extractor present! We very rarely get examples that still have the accessories!
The butt plate is marked U.S. and the front band is U marked. Metal finish is quite good, with the original blue faded to a lovely gray patina over most areas, but no real serious rust. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and carbine Buffington adjustable rear sight. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / 1873, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts. The lock is an early 2 notch tumbler type, most likely installed at at a state or local arsenal.
Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel, which are somewhat faded: 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 very nice example of a legendary U.S. issue firearm, with a very early lock plate and accessories! 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.
- 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 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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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