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:

Offered in very good 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 177379★, and there is a faintly legible SWP 1882 cartouche on the left side of the wrist. The serial number indicates production in approximately May 1882, per U.S. Government records, with stock inspection in 1882. The "Star" after the serial number has been a cause of debate for years, but it is generally accepted to mean that it was "made with a combination of new and salvaged parts, to be held in reserve, or issued to and/or used by groups like the National Guard." (Please See the Springfield Trapdoor FAQ at armscollector.com for more information).

There is unfortunately no way to tell whether this rifle was returned to arsenal after production, or whether it was originally produced using the "salvaged" parts. However, considering that it still is completely in the M1879 configuration, we believe it was originally made with the early 1873 dated lock plate and possibly other salvaged parts. It shows no signs of having had any further updates.

The carbine has an overall very good metal finish, with all proofs still present. There is not any major pitting or peppering on the exterior, and the original blued finish has worn to a lovely mottled patina overall. The stock is in good condition, with a lovely color. It does show some wear, especially on the left hand side (probably from the saddle), but does not appear to have been refurbished at any time. The stock is still at or just above (proud) the level of the lock plate, which indicates that it has not had wood removed, which would be done if it ha been refurbished. While it does show some minor dents and dings, there are no cracks or repairs we can see.

The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. There is wear to the lands, and some evidence of past fouling, so this is definitely a carbine that saw a good amount of use while in service. 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. It has the correct butt stock storage compartment for the cleaning rod, though it is unfortunately empty.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and the front band is U marked. The metalwork has been is in really nice condition, without any major oxidation issues, and some areas looking to have been reblued. 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 / 1873, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts. This is the early pattern lock plate, often seen on "star" serial number examples, but it has the correct later 3 notch tumbler.

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. A faint 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 R 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 rifle and not a carbine.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a lovely example of a legendary U.S. issue firearm. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1882
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.