Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Rifle Made in 1884 with Standard Ramrod, Bayonet & Scabbard - Serial 257845

Original Item: Only One available. This is a lovely honest lightly used example of the classic Springfield trapdoor rifle, complete with an original bayonet and 2nd pattern U.S. scabbard with a brass hook frog. 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 #257845 stamped on the rear of the receiver, which indicates production in approximately November 1884, per U.S. Government records. The left side of the stock bears a worn "boxed" government inspector SWP / 1884 cartouche, for inspection during the same year. 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 FULLY 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 much.

The bore is in excellent condition, with a bright finish and crisp lands and grooves. There is just a bit of wear keeping this bore from being MINT, and it looks to have seen little to no use. We would rate this at probably 9.5 out of 10. 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. The model 1879 rear sight works well, and has all the internal springs present as far as we can see, though it is a bit stiff at present.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. The metal finish is just lovely, with the original blued finish very well retained, with just a few areas of wear and fading to plum. The breech block and receiver still show lots of the original case hardened finish, particularly on the underside of the breech block, definitely a real rarity. It is a bit worn on the exterior, but we usually see these without any of the original finish preserved. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, standard model 1879 sliding sight, and standard ramrod. 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 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.

The included bayonet is the classic 1873 style triangular socket bayonet marked U.S., and has retained the original blue finish quite nicely. There is some wear and finish loss towards the very tip of the blade, and a few small areas of rust. It comes in its original steel scabbard, complete with a 2nd pattern leather frog and swivel brass hook, with the rosette marked U.S.. Condition of the scabbard is very good, with no major dents or bends, and the frog has a lovely aged look, with the finish flaking. The brass hook is a bit bent, and the swivel move easily.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a great example of a classic U.S. issue firearm, complete with its original bayonet and scabbard. Ready to display!

Specifications (Rifle):-

Year of Manufacture: 1884
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

Specifications (Bayonet):-

Blade Length: 18"
Blade Style: Triangular
Overall length: 21“
Scabbard Length: 18 3/8"

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.