Original U.S. Early Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Saddle Ring Carbine - Rebarreled and Smoothbored to 32 Gauge - Circa 1875

Original Item: Only One available. This is a VERY early and interesting example of the classic Springfield Saddle Ring Carbine, which is really not like any other we have seen before! It looks to have had the barrel replaced with one that is completely smoothbore, measuring out to about 0.52", or 32 gauge. We do not know why this was done, but these were plentiful on the market in the late 19th and early 20th century, so it may have been adapted to this form by a state arsenal. It has seen heavy use, which has made the markings faint, and unfortunately completely removed the serial number. However with the markings and features it has, we can fairly accurately date it to the mid 1870s.

This is the weapon used, in its carbine form, by the troopers of the 7th Cavalry that met their fate at the Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876. The breech block is very faintly marked:

MODEL
1873
(EAGLE)
(CROSSED ARROWS)
U.S.

In the years following, the stamping on the breech block was simplified, removing the Eagle and Arrows, and the block itself lost the "high arch" underneath that this one has. This Model 1873 Trapdoor Carbine is in lovely service used condition, complete with its original Saddle Ring and Bar on the left hand side of the wood stock. As mentioned previously the serial number on the rear of the receiver is completely worn away, however this is not a major issue as Springfield Trapdoor production ceased in 1893, so all are considered Pre-1899 Antiques by the BATF. Other markings present are faint, but still legible, and the left side of the stock actually has a partial oval ESA cartouche present, correct for an early Trapdoor. This would have been from the original manufacture, not when it was converted to smoothbore.

The carbine has an overall gray service used patina on the metalwork, and shows a lovely light gray mottled patina on the breech block and receiver. There is some past pitting on the woodline of the barrel, and also some vice marks on the side of the barrel from when it was installed. It definitely looks to have been adopted from a rifle barrel or something else, and not made from a carbine barrel. It has a Springfield Model 1868 / 1870 rear sight fitted, along with a tall front sight attached to the muzzle. The stock is in very good condition, with a lovely color, definitely having been worn down a bit in some areas. The lock plate is now well above the level of the stock in some areas, as are the fittings for the saddle ring bar. There are some notches that were added to the left side of the wrist, and overall it definitely shows wear into the grain. There is a fitting for a sling swivel fitted below the trigger guard, though there is no swivel installed anymore.

The bore is completely smooth, and shows some light fouling and oxidation, but no major rust or pitting. The breech block moves correctly, and the extractor is still present and functional, though we have not tested it with real brass, and the ejector on the rear floor of the receiver is missing. The saddle ring bar is still present, with a saddle ring present, though it may be a replacement, and there is no storage compartment on the rear of the butt stock.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and the front band is U marked. The metalwork has been has a great service used look to it. Center fire breechloader, single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and an early model 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. This is the early pattern lock plate, but it has the correct later 3 notch tumbler, so it was returned to arsenal at some point. The script ESA cartouche belongs to Erskine S. Allin, the Master Armorer at Springfield Armory from 1853 until 1878. He oversaw the development of the Model 1855, 1861, and 1863 Springfield muskets. It was also his design for a breechloading conversion that became the Springfield Trapdoor Rifle in 1873.

This is an opportunity to pick up a very interesting well-used example of a legendary U.S. issue firearm. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1875
Caliber: 0.52" approximately 32 gauge
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Overall Length: 41 1/4 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.