Springfield 1873 Trapdoor Cavalry Carbine 45-70 Govt 22″ Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $3,026.00
LSB#: LSB260511VA003
Make: Springfield
Model: 1884 Trapdoor Cavalry Carbine
Serial Number: 35669
Year of Manufacture: 1875 Antique
Caliber: 45-70 Govt
Action Type: Single-Shot Forward Pivoting Breech-Block “Trapdoor” Rifle
Markings: The top of the breech-block is marked “US Model “1873” with the Eagle, Crossed Arrows and US. The rear end of the receiver’s serialization is clear. The lock-plate is marked with the Great Seal of the United States (an eagle) and “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD”. The left side of the barrel, just ahead of the receiver, is marked “V / P” and has an eagle’s head. The top of the butt-plate is marked “US”. The cartouche is legible.
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a barleycorn blade soldered to the barrel. The rear sight is a 1873 Carbine rear sight screwed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one piece smooth walnut, banded forend, straight grip, straight comb, and semi crescent buttplate. The LOP is 13 1/2″ from trigger to buttplate. There is moderate to heavy handling and use wear. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There is light chipping in various places, upper tang, lock plate, barrel band, etc. There are light cracks at the lock plate and upper tang. Overall this stock is in Fair to Good condition for antique.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case color
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is defined. There is even erosion and pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains virtually none of its original finish. There are scratches and handling marks throughout. The majority of the finish has worn to brown patina with corrosion staining. There is light pitting throughout. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings range from faint to legible. Overall this rifle is in Fair to Good condition.
Mechanics: This rifle appears to be functional. The hammer holds half and full cock. The breech locks up tight. The firing pin is free. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor Cavalry Carbine is a compact U.S. military single-shot chambered in .45-70 Government and built around the forward-pivoting breechblock system. This 1875 example features a 22″ barrel, one-band walnut carbine stock, 1873-pattern carbine rear sight, and a correctly marked Model 1873 breechblock with the eagle, crossed arrows, and U.S. device. Its short, handy configuration reflects the pattern issued primarily to mounted troops during the post-Civil War period.
The Trapdoor Springfield represented the U.S. Army’s transition from percussion muzzleloaders to metallic-cartridge breechloaders. Carbines in .45-70 Government were lighter and more maneuverable than the full-length infantry rifles, making them well suited for cavalry service during the Indian Wars. The Model 1873 family became one of the defining American military arms of the late 19th century and remained in service through numerous updates before being replaced by the Krag-Jørgensen.
This carbine retains virtually none of its original finish, with the metal worn to brown patina and showing corrosion staining, light pitting, scratches, and handling marks. The walnut stock rates in Fair to Good antique condition with heavy use wear, scattered chipping, and light cracks around the lock and upper tang. The gray bore has defined rifling with even erosion and pitting and rates 7/10, while the breech locks tightly, the firing pin is free, and the hammer holds at half and full cock. Overall, this is a Fair to Good antique Springfield Trapdoor Carbine with honest service wear and strong military collector appeal. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF