Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Saddle Ring Cavalry Carbine Made in 1888 - Serial 412443

Original Item: Only One available. This is a very nice 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
1873

Offered in very good used condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, complete with its original Saddle Ring and Bar on the left hand side of the wood stock. The serial number is 412443, and there is a faint SWP 1887 cartouche on the left side of the wrist. The numbers are partly unclear on the cartouche, but we can definitely make out the 7 at the end. The serial number indicates production in approximately August 1888, per U.S. Government records, with stock inspection in the previous year. The carbine has an overall service worn metal finish, with all proofs still present, and shows a lovely light gray matte patina. It does look like the barrel has been partly resurfaced, and the breech block was probably reblued at some point.

The stock is in very good service used condition, with a lovely color, and is now about even with the level of the lock plate due to wear. It does not show any signs of having been arsenal reconditioned, and has a lovely red brown walnut color with some great grain. There does appear to be a repaired stock crack running partly through the wrist on the left and rear, which goes right through the inspection cartouche.

The bore is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with strong lands and grooves. There is some wear and past oxidation, but nothing out of the ordinary, and it has been well cared for. The breech block has an intact freely moving firing pin and moves correctly, with the extractor and ejector both still present and functional, though we have not tested them with real brass. The saddle ring bar is still present, with the correct saddle ring present. It has the correct butt stock storage compartment for the cleaning rod, which is empty.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and the front band is U marked, as is correct, and the metalwork overall shows a light gray worn patina from years of use and cleaning. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and a working carbine M1879 rear ladder 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 faint 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. A 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 clear: an 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 M1879 standard sliding sight leaf and the left side of the ramp are 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 service used example of a legendary U.S. issue firearm. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1888
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.