Springfield Trapdoor 1868 .50-70 Govt Single Shot Rifle, MFD 1869 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1025
LSB#: 210721MB01
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1868 Trapdoor
Serial Number: 14166
Year of Manufacture: 1869
Caliber: .50-70 Gov’t
Action Type: Single-Shot Trapdoor Rifle
Markings: The top of the breechblock is marked “1869 / U.S.” with an American eagle in between. The right side plate is marked “1863” and with an American eagle and “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD”. The left side of the barrel and the receiver is marked with the serial number, “14166”. The right side of both barrel bands are marked with “U”. The tang on the buttplate is marked “US”. There are four cartouche marks on the left side flat.
Barrel Length: 32 1/2″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a rectangular base set on the barrel. The rear sight is a flip up v-notch when in the down position. When flipped up, it is in a u-notch range-finding configuration.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth wood with straight grip, straight comb, and sheet steel buttplate. There are two barrel bands and two through bolts. There is a channel in the stock for the included ramrod. There are sling swivels on the trigger guard and forward barrel band. The stock has scattered light nicks and dings scattered about along with a few dark spots and scuffs near the buttplate on the right side. There is a larger dark compression on the left side of the buttstock. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has gone to a light patina. Overall, the stock rates in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Bright
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with well-defined rifling. There is some minor erosion scattered throughout.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 0% of its original case color. The rifle is otherwise finished bright. The hammer, breech-block, and receiver have all gone to a light patina. There is very little indication of the case color swirl. The barrel, barrel band, and forend cap all have light-to-moderate spots of surface oxidation, the worst of which is at the front of the barrel and below the rear sight. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with usable slots. The markings are fairly clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition, as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has quarter and half-cock safety positions. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Springfield model 1868 is a precursor to the more definitive Springfield 1873 produced for the army beginning in 1869. They were older muskets converted to cartridge firing rifles, and went from .58 caliber to .50 caliber. At first, the barrels were re-lined, but often that lining would separate after firing, and in the end the barrels were replaced entirely, and that is the case with this example. It is marked on the breech block with the manufacturing year of 1869. The 1868 holds a fascinating place in the history of Army rifles as it effectively served as the bridge between the old weapons of war and the new. This is a neat piece for the Trapdoor completist. Good luck and happy bidding!