Harrington & Richardson H&R 1873 Springfield Trapdoor Cavalry 45-70 Gov.
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
LSB#: LSB260219RP013
Make: Harrington & Richardson
Model: Model 1873 Trapdoor Carbine, Saddle ring
Serial Number: SA4645
Year of Manufacture: Circa, 1970s
Caliber: .45-70
Action Type: Trapdoor, single shot
Markings: The lock plate is marked, “U.S. SPRINGFIELD” The trapdoor is marked, “Cavalry Model / U.S. MODEL 1873” the receiver is marked, “H&R /SA4645” The barrel is marked, “HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON, INC. / WORCESTER MASS. MADE IN U.S.A. / U.S. MODEL 1873 CAL.45-70 GOVERNMENT” The buttplate is marked, “U.S.”
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable ladder V-notch sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one piece wood half length stock with a barrel band, straight wrist, straight comb, saddle ring bar/ring, and semi-crescent buttplate. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are minor scratches and compression dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is little fouling. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original finish. There are a few light scratches throughout. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle has a half-cock safety. 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: None
Our Assessment: This Harrington & Richardson Model 1873 Trapdoor Cavalry Model is a modern-production .45-70 single-shot carbine made circa the 1970s, patterned after the U.S. Springfield Trapdoor cavalry carbine. While it carries traditional “U.S. Springfield,” “Cavalry Model,” and “U.S. Model 1873” style markings, it is best assessed as an H&R reproduction rather than an original 19th-century military-issued Springfield. Its 22″ barrel, saddle ring and bar, half-length stock, semi-crescent buttplate, adjustable ladder rear sight, and trapdoor action give it strong historical styling and make it an attractive representative example for someone who wants the look and handling of a Trapdoor carbine without the fragility or cost of an original antique.
Condition is a major strength. The rifle retains about 95% of its original blued and case-colored finish, with only a few light scratches noted throughout. The markings remain clear, and the screw heads are sharp, suggesting limited use and careful handling. The stock is also in Very Good condition, showing only minor scratches and compression dents, with no chips or cracks. This is important on a trapdoor-style carbine, as stock integrity around the wrist, lock, tang, and barrel band areas contributes significantly to both appearance and confidence in handling.
Mechanically, the action is reported to function correctly and includes a working half-cock safety, though the rifle has not been test-fired. The bore is excellent, rated 9.5/10, with bright metal, sharp rifling, no erosion, and only light fouling. Overall, this is a Very Good condition H&R Model 1873 Trapdoor Cavalry-style carbine with strong bore condition, high remaining finish, and clean mechanical presentation. Its appeal is primarily as a quality reproduction shooter, display piece, or historical-pattern .45-70 carbine rather than as an original U.S. martial collectible. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF