Harrington & Richardson H&R 1873 Officer’s Rifle .45-70 Govt, MFD 1972-1973
SOLD FOR: $1509
LSB#: 21102PM05
Make: Harrington & Richardson, Inc.
Model: U.S. Model 1873 Officer’s Model
Serial Number: 740
Year of Manufacture: 1972-1973
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Single Shot Trapdoor Rifle
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “U. S. MODEL 1873 / CAL. 45-70 GOVT” and “P”. The right side of the barrel is marked “HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON, INC. / WORCESTER, MASS. MADE IN U.S.A.”. The left side of the receiver is marked “H&R”, and the right is marked “SER. NO. 3248”. The lock plate is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD”. There is a cartouche on the underside of the grip. Fine engraving is featured on the metal parts, excluding the barrel.
Barrel Length: 26”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded post fixed to a flip-up protective hood that is notched into a base that is dovetailed into the barrel. The standard rear sight is a flip up tang mounted adjustable peep-sight.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece select hand-checkered walnut with cleaning rod, forend cap, straight grip with extension attached, straight comb and a steel buttplate. The forend is held with a steel barrel band. The main bit of wear is a moderate nick from the rear sight touching the grip when folded down. The grip and the buttstock have scattered The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has a spot of moderate surface oxidation and a few minor nicks. Overall, the stock rates in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued with Case Color Lock Plate, Breechblock, and Buttplate.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion, but there is a fair amount of light stubborn fouling in places.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The case color is still rather strong. The barrel has a few light nicks and minor scuffs along with a few light stains/residue on the left side. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
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 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 reproduction hails from the early 70s and is a reproduction of the Officer’s model of the time. A reproduction such as this allows us to see these rifles as they likely appeared when they were new, which is a rare sight; most Trapdoor rifles have some measure of wear, most of it heavy. There were relatively few of these made, so do not miss out on a chance to own a classic, handsome rifle! Good luck and happy bidding!