Pedersoli Navy Arms Trapdoor Model 1873 45-70 Govt 32 1/2″ Single Shot
SOLD FOR: $1,176.00
LSB#: LSB251220TO022
Make: Pedersoli, Imported by Navy Arms
Model: 1873 Trapdoor
Serial#: TD0134
Year of Manufacture: 1997
Caliber: .45-70 Govt.
Action Type: Single-Shot Forward Pivoting Breech-Block “Trapdoor” Rifle
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “TD0134, Pedersoli Cal 45-70, Made in Italy, Cat 9402”. The left side of the receiver is marked with Italian Proof marks and catalog number. The right side of the barrel is marked “Navy Arms, Ridgefield NJ”. The lock plate is marked “US Springfield”
Barrel Length: 32 1/2″
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a barley corn blade soldered to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding adjustable U notch ladder sight screwed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is a one piece smooth walnut, two band with spring retainers, straight wrist, straight comb, with case colored steel buttplate. The LOP is 13 1/4″ from trigger to buttplate. There is light handling wear but no notable damage other than one compression dent on the left side of the buttplate. Overall this stock is in Very Good to Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Color Case
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is light fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates a 9.5/10
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its condition. There are a few light handling marks but no notable damage. The screw heads are sharp, the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Very Good to Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: Sling
Our Assessment: The Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor rifle was the primary infantry arm of the United States Army during the late 19th century and became closely associated with the Indian Wars era of American military history. Designed under the direction of Erskine S. Allin at Springfield Armory, the rifle utilized a hinged breechblock system that allowed metallic cartridges to be loaded directly into the chamber. This represented a major advancement over earlier muzzleloading muskets and provided soldiers with faster reloading and improved reliability in the field. The rifle was chambered for the .45-70 Government cartridge, a powerful black powder round adopted by the U.S. military in 1873 and widely used for both military and civilian purposes.
This example is a modern reproduction manufactured by Davide Pedersoli in Italy and imported by Navy Arms, companies well known for producing historically accurate black powder and cartridge firearm reproductions. Pedersoli rifles are widely regarded for their quality construction and attention to detail, closely replicating the appearance and operation of original 19th century firearms. The rifle follows the traditional configuration of the Model 1873 with a 32 1/2 inch barrel, ladder style rear sight, and the classic trapdoor breechblock system paired with an external hammer.
This particular rifle remains in excellent overall condition and retains approximately 98 percent of its original blued and case colored finish with only a few light handling marks visible. The walnut stock shows minimal wear with a single compression dent noted on the left side of the buttstock, otherwise presenting very well. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and rates approximately 9.5 out of 10 with only light fouling present. The action functions correctly and the rifle includes a sling. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF