Springfield Armory Model 1873 Trapdoor .45-70 32 1/2” Single Shot Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,380.00

LSB#: LSB251006CF019

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1873 US Trapdoor Rifle

Serial#: 528632

Year of Manufacture: 1891, Antique

Caliber: .45-70 Govt.

Action Type: Single-Shot Forward Pivoting Breech-Block “Trapdoor” Rifle, First Type Breech Block (Brass Firing Pin), Serrated trigger

Markings: The top of the breech block is marked, “US MODEL 1884”. The rear of the receiver is marked, “528632”. The lock plate is marked, “U.S. SPRINGFIELD” with the U.S. Eagle.  There is a clear “SWP 1891” inspector cartouche on the left wrist of the stock. There are correct “V/P/Eagel Head/P proof marks stamped on the barrel near the chamber. There is a “U” mark on the barrel band. There is a “U.S.” marking on the top of the buttplate.    

Barrel Length: 32.5”

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade welded to the muzzle with hood. The rear sight is a Model 1879 ladder flip up sight which remains fully functional and has clear markings.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is a single piece walnut with two barrel bands, sling rings, straight wrist, straight comb, nose cap, and steel buttplate. There are light to moderate handling marks. There are scratches, compression marks, and scuffs. It appears to possibly have had a later coat of finish added but no sanding marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP is 13 1/4” from the trigger to the rear end of the butt-plate. Overall, the stock is in about Fine condition for an antique.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is light erosion in the bore. There is very light pitting in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 9 out of 10 for an antique.

Overall Condition: The rifle retains 90% of its original metal finish. The barrel has softened to a blue/brown patina. The color case on the breech block is still relatively vivid.  The hammer shows some finish wear. The screw heads ranges from sharp to lightly  tooled with serviceable slots and the markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine condition for an antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: Sling

Our Assessment: The Springfield Armory Model 1873 Trapdoor rifle represents the culmination of the U.S. Army’s single-shot service rifle development in the post–Civil War period, bridging black powder tradition with increasingly refined military standards. By 1891, the Trapdoor system had reached a mature and well-proven state, serving troops across the American frontier during a period defined by westward expansion and Indian Wars–era service. This example, with its “US MODEL 1884” marked breechblock and 1891-dated inspector cartouche, reflects a correct late-issue configuration assembled and inspected at Springfield Armory during the final years of Trapdoor production.

Chambered in .45-70 Government, the rifle was designed around a cartridge adopted in 1873 that became synonymous with U.S. military service and frontier use. The long 32 1/2-inch barrel, two-band stock arrangement, and Model 1879 ladder rear sight underscore the rifle’s role as a full-length infantry arm intended for deliberate, aimed fire at extended ranges. The forward-pivoting breechblock with brass firing pin and serrated trigger are characteristic features of early Trapdoor variants, while the clearly stamped “V/P/Eagle Head/P” proofs and “SWP 1891” cartouche firmly anchor this rifle within accepted U.S. Ordnance inspection standards.

This example remains in notably strong condition for an antique military rifle, retaining approximately 90 percent of its original metal finish with the barrel showing an attractive blue-brown patina and the breechblock still displaying visible case color. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, light erosion, and very minor pitting in the grooves, rating 9 out of 10 for an antique in this writer’s opinion. The walnut stock shows honest handling wear with scattered scratches and compression marks but no cracks or chips, presenting in Fine condition for its age. Markings remain largely clear, screw heads are serviceable, and the action functions correctly. Overall, this Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor stands as a well-preserved and historically correct example of one of the most important U.S. military rifles of the nineteenth century.  Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! MF