Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Rifle Made in 1880 with Repaired Stock and Early Cleaning Rod - Serial 130750

Original Item: Only One available. This is a lovely patinated example of the classic Springfield trapdoor rifle, which looks to have led an interesting life. It has a very early model cleaning rod, and the stock was damaged at some point, and looks to have had a new fore stock grafted on forward of the lower barrel band. This was 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 marked:

U.S.
MODEL
1873

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, with Serial #130750 stamped on the rear of the receiver, which indicates production in approximately July 1880, per U.S. Government records. The left side of the stock bears a worn "boxed" government inspector SWP / 1880 cartouche, for inspection during the same year. The cartouche date does look a bit like "1886" or "1888" due to a small scratch in the middle of the last numeral, but close examination shows that it is definitely 1880. This rifle is "ALL ORIGINAL" with no signs of being messed with, just wear from service and years of careful cleaning.

The stock is in very good original condition, with lots of character and a great dark red-brown color showing lovely grain. It does show denting, scratches, and some minor gouges, as expected on a rifle that saw real service. The stock is still partly proud over the level of the lock plate, so the stock does not look to have been arsenal reconditioned at any point or worn down excessively. There is also some missing wood near where the replacement fore stock was grafted in, which we have taken high resolution photos of.

The bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish and strong lands and grooves. There is some past oxidation and fouling in the grooves, so the rifle definitely did see some level of use during it's service life. The breech block moves correctly, with a freely moving firing pin, and it latches closed securely. The extractor is still present and functional along with the ejector, though we have not tested the action with real brass. The model 1879 rear is present and looks to have all the internal springs present, however it is very stiff due to past oxidation.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. The metalwork shows a lovely patina of age, with a speckled peppery look to the exterior. It definitely looks like this rifle was carried in service for a good amount of time. In spite of this, the interior of the breech block and receiver still show a good amount of the original case hardened finish, definitely a rarity. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, standard model 1879 sliding sight, and early model ramrod with a cleaning jag on the end. Lock is marked with a Federal Eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, indicating that it was 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: a capital R on top; 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 standard M1879 sliding sight leaf and the left side of the ramp are marked R to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.

This is an great opportunity to pick up a lovely patinated example of a classic U.S. issue firearm with a rare early issue cleaning rod and repaired stock. Ready to display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1880
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 Inches
Overall Length: 52 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.