U.S. Springfield Trapdoor 1873 Carbine 45-70 Single Shot Rifle 1880 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,565.00

LSB#: LSB250601SP143

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1873 “Trapdoor”

Serial Number: 147615

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1880

Caliber: .45-70 Government

Action Type: Single-Shot Forward Pivoting Breech-Block “Trapdoor”

Barrel Length: 22”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned on top of a rectangular base set on the barrel. The rear sight is a Model 1879 Carbine sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth walnut with a spring-clip secured barrel band, straight grip, straight comb, sling bar on the left below the receiver and steel carbine-style buttplate with a sliding door over a storage compartment (three-piece cleaning rod in compartment). There is a crack in front of the rear sling bar mount. There is a fill on the right below the front of the comb. You can barely tell that there was a cartouche in the left behind the sling bar, but it is not legible. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered surface erosion and the top tang shows treatment with cold blue. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition as refinished Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. The rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is some scattered light erosion and pitting in the bore with a patch of more notable pitting toward the muzzle-end. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 15% of its current metal finish. Most remaining finish is on the lock, hammer, and bottom of the breech-block. The barrel has mostly worn to white or gone to a light patina, showing signs of polishing and treatment with cold blue. The top of the breech-block also shows polishing and cold blue treatment. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches with a cluster of nicks on the guard. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as refinished Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The three-piece cleaning rod in the butt is included.

Our Assessment: The Model 1873 “Trapdoor” Springfield was the first standard-issue breech-loading rifle adopted by the United States Army and was one of the main service rifles of the U.S. Military until it was gradually replaced by the Springfield Model 1892 bolt-action rifle.

This Springfield Model 1873 Carbine was manufactured in 1880. The markings are fading due to refinishing. The stock and sights are correct for the Carbine model and the breech-block still has a bronze firing pin installed. The bore is decent being over 140 years old. If you are looking for a Trapdoor Carbine, this would be a rifle to keep your sights on.

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud