Springfield 1873 Trapdoor .45-70 Gov’t Single-Shot Rifle & Bayonet Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,555.00
LSB#: WY250117PA006.1
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1873 Trapdoor
Serial#: 63174
Year of Manufacture: 1876 (Antique)
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Single-Shot Trapdoor Breech-Loading Rifle
Markings: The lock plate is marked “US SPRINGFIELD”. The rear of the receiver is marked “63174”. The top of the trapdoor is marked “Model 1873” over an “eagle head” over “US”. The chamber is marked “MASS”. The buttplate is marked “US”.
Barrel Length: 32”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to a rectangular base on the barrel. The rear sight is a leaf sight with stepped sight leaves, adjustable for elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition / Grip: The stock is a one-piece walnut military-style stock with straight grip, showing scattered dings, scratches, and handling marks consistent with age and military use. The buttstock exhibits notable grain separation and striations starting at the heel, which does not affect the structural integrity or usefulness of the stock. A sling is installed. Overall, the stock rates in Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Originally color case hardened breech and breechblock and blued remainder, now fading to white, and developing patina throughout
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark with visible rifling. There is mild erosion throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle was originally blued with a color case hardened breech and breechblock, but most parts have faded to white with an even patina throughout. The metal surfaces exhibit scattered pitting and age-related wear, consistent with prolonged use and storage. The screwheads show moderate use with defined slots. All markings remain clear and legible. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: The rifle includes an installed cleaning rod (ramrod) and a trowel-style bayonet housed in a leather frog. The frog carries a tag marked “Made in India”.
Our Assessment: This Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor rifle, serial number 63174, was manufactured in 1876, a historically significant centennial year for the United States. Chambered in .45-70 Government, the Model 1873 Trapdoor rifle was extensively utilized during the Indian Wars era and became an iconic symbol of post-Civil War American military arms.
This particular rifle features Massachusetts militia (“MASS”) markings, indicating a storied past. Its honest wear, patinated surfaces, and grain separation in the buttstock speak to genuine historical usage without compromising the stock’s structural integrity. Complete with a trowel bayonet in a leather frog, it offers historical appeal to collectors and reenactors. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
