Springfield Armory Trapdoor Model 1868 50-70 Govt Single Shot Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,275.00
LSB#: LSB260415AW079
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1868US Trapdoor Rifle
Serial#: 13938
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1868-1870, Antique
Caliber: .50-70 Govt.
Action Type: Single-Shot Forward Pivoting Breech-Block “Trapdoor” Rifle
Markings: The top of the breechblock is marked “1869” with the Eagles head. The lockplate is marked “US Springfield, 1863” The top of the buttplate is marked “US”.
Barrel Length: 32 1/2″
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a barley corn blade soldered to the barrel. The rear sight is a rear folding sliding ladder sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is a one piece walnut, straight grip, straight comb, steel buttplate, with two retention bands. The LOP is 13 1/2″ from trigger to buttplate. There has been light sanding and refinishing. The inspection cartouches are faint and not legible. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There is light cracking around the lock. Overall this stock is in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Arsenal Bright
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is little to no erosion. There is little fouling. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains about none of its metal finish. The majority of the metal is corrosion stained. There are scratches and nicks throughout. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Good to Very Good condition.
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: This Springfield Armory Model 1868 Trapdoor Rifle is a desirable antique U.S. military single-shot rifle chambered in .50-70 Government. Produced circa 1868–1870, it represents the early post-Civil War trapdoor conversion era, with its forward-pivoting breechblock, 32 1/2″ barrel, two-band walnut stock, “US Springfield 1863” lockplate, 1869-dated breechblock with eagle head, and “US” marked buttplate. The .50-70 chambering, early trapdoor configuration, and antique status give it strong historical appeal for collectors of U.S. martial arms.
Condition is good to very good overall, with the strongest point being the bore. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, little to no erosion, and only light fouling, rating 9/10 in the writer’s opinion, which is notably strong for a rifle of this age. The metal shows substantial age-related wear, with essentially no remaining bright arsenal surface and widespread corrosion staining, scratches, and nicks throughout, though the markings remain clear and the screw heads are only lightly tooled but serviceable. The walnut stock has been lightly sanded and refinished, leaving the inspection cartouches faint and illegible, and shows scratches, compression dents, and light cracking around the lock, but remains in Good condition overall.
Overall, this Springfield Model 1868 Trapdoor is best viewed as a historically significant antique rifle with honest exterior wear but a surprisingly strong bore and functional action. Its early trapdoor configuration, .50-70 Government chambering, clear markings, original military features, and included sling all add to its collector interest. The refinished stock, faint cartouches, corrosion-stained metal, and general handling wear prevent it from being a high-condition collector example, but it remains an attractive and representative early U.S. trapdoor rifle. While the action functions correctly, it has not been test-fired and should be inspected and cleaned to the buyer’s standards before any consideration of use. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF