
Springfield Armory Trapdoor Model 1873 45-70 Govt Single Shot Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,330.00
LSB#: WY241012PM023
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1873 US Trapdoor Rifle
Serial#: 181551
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1873-1884 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”. The rear end of the receiver is marked “181551”. The lock-plate is marked with the Great Seal of the United States (an eagle) and “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD 1873”. The left side of the barrel, just ahead of the receiver, is marked “ P” . The top of the butt-plate is marked “US” . The bottom of the wrist is marked with a script lightly “P” inside an oval.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned by the muzzle. The rear sight is an escalator u-notch.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The wood stock features a, a barrel band secured by springs, a straight wrist, a straight comb and metal semi-crescent butt-plate. The stock has only a few scattered light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. There is a crack on the right side of the receiver. The LOP is 13 3/8” from the trigger to the rear end of the butt-plate. The butt-plate has some light handling marks. Overall, the refinished stock is in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinish
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly grey with dull rifling. There is some light erosion concentrated in the grooves.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 85% of its metal refinish. The gun has some light handling marks, nicks and scuffs.There are operational marks on the lock. And The screwheads are lightly tooled and remain serviceable. Overall, the rifle is in 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: None.
Our Assessment: Designed in 1863 by Erskine Allin, the Springfield Trapdoor rifle series would dominate the scene in American rifle culture for several decades. The rifle incorporated lessons learned during the Civil War and was chambered in powerful 45-70 rounds, referred to as “Government” or “Buffalo” rounds. The defining usage for the trapdoor was as one of the main weapons of the US Military during the Plains Indian Wars of the 1870s and 1880s. George Armstrong Custer’s 7th Cavalry was armed with 1873 Trapdoor rifles during their fateful stand at the Battle of Little Bighorn. The rifle would also see service in later conflicts, including the Spanish American War. Outside of military hands, this rifle is the true rifle that “Won the West” during the wild days of the frontier. One of the most notable users of the trapdoor was Buffalo Bill Cody, who owned a trapdoor he dubbed “Lucretia Borgia”. Lucretia served as his main bison hunting implement until it was broken on a trip with Grand Duke Alexi of Russia. This particular Trapdoor was a commercialized variant of the 1873 Trapdoor, much like the one used by Cody. Grab up this icon of American Firearm history today and experience the power, accuracy, and mystique that made it the trusted tool of so many in the days of the Wild West. Today trapdoors command respect from all walks of the gun world and are prized by collectors for their historical significance. Please see our photos and enjoy the auction. -C.M.
