Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 .45-70 Govt Single Shot Rifle, 1882 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1125
LSB#: 210930TP86
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1873 Trapdoor
Serial Number: 211656
Year of Manufacture: 1882
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Single Shot Trapdoor Rifle
Markings: The top of the breechblock is marked “—U.S.— / MODEL / 1873. The right side plate is marked with the Springfield Eagle and “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD”. The left side of the barrel is marked with a “V”, “P”, an Eagle head proof, and a second “P”. The top rear of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “211656”. The top of the buttplate in front of the mounting screw is marked “U S”.
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 an 1884 Buffington sight.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece wood with a smooth straight grip. The forend is held with two steel barrel bands, the rear of which is the Buffington rear sight protector version. The capped forend is grooved for the included cleaning rod. There is a sling swivel at the front of the trigger guard and a sling swivel and stacking swivel on the bottom of the front barrel band. There are light nicks, dings, dark compressions, and draglines throughout, all of which have been oiled over. There are scattered light nicks that are newer. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly gone to a dark patina and there is light-to-moderate scuff wear throughout. Overall, the stock rates in Good-plus condition, as antique.
Type of Finish: Blued with Case Color Lock Plate and Breechblock
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly dark but the rifling is well-defined. There are intermittent spots of light erosion along with light stubborn fouling throughout.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 0% of its metal finish. The barrel has for the most part gone to a light patina and has partly gone to white at the tip. There are minor nicks and and spots of minor surface oxidation throughout. The breechblock has no remaining case color and it and the receiver have spots of minor surface oxidation. Most edges have light dings and nicks. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Goodcondition, as Antique.
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, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This rifle includes a socket bayonet.
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 rifle is a Model 1873 made about midway through production. As the armory went through the permutations of the Trapdoor, prior components and supplies would have to be exhausted, and upgrades were made. Notable to this rifle is the 1884 Buffington rear sight and the updated barrel band the protects the site when it is in the down position. The history of the Trapdoor rifle is fascinating in that we’re given an usually detailed look into how Springfield Armory got from one version to the next, and this example is neat that it’s an in-between version. Good luck, and happy bidding!