U.S. Springfield 1873 Converted Pistol .45-70 Gov Trapdoor Handgun Antique
SOLD FOR: $2592.65
LSB#: 230912WS023
Make: Springfield
Model: 1873 (Converted into a pistol)
Serial Number: NSN
Year of Manufacture: 1870s-1880s, Antique
Caliber: .45-70 Government Black Powder.
Action Type: Single Shot Forward Pivoting Breech-Block “Trapdoor” Pistol
Barrel Length: 7.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade integral to a raised base, the rear sight is a U notch screwed into the top tang.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth wood. The original rifle stock has been cut down and a pistol grip has been added. The grips show light to moderate handling and storage marks. The wood shows scattered scrapes, scuffs and scratch marks. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray, the rifling is dulled. There is moderate surface erosion and pitting throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 4.5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 85% of its metal finish, as refinished. Some of the finish is thinning and has a brownish muddled look, notably on the plate and hammer. The balance of the finish shows light to moderate wear from handling and storage. The metal shows scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratch marks. There is scattered light erosion in a few areas.The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in about Good condition as refinished and antique.
Mechanics: The action functions Correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The 1873 Springfield Rifle, also known as the “Trapdoor Springfield,” is a single-shot, breech-loading rifle that was used by the United States military from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. The 1873 Springfield Rifle has a 32.5” barrel and is chambered in .45-70 Government. It has a hinged breech block that swings open to allow the insertion of a single round. The 1873 Springfield Rifle saw extensive use in the Indian Wars, and was also used during the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War.
This Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor has had its stock and barrel shortened and converted into a pistol. The conversion is well done, the added large wooden pistol grip feels good to hold and new sights have been added. This 1873 has been refinished and retains the majority of its blued finish, showing light wear. This converted pistol is in pretty good shape, the action still works nicely and the trigger is very crisp. Someone definitely put in a lot of work to create this interesting Springfield 1873 converted pistol, it’s certainly a conversation starter and it will go well in any historical, curiosity or oddities collection. Please see our photos, good luck and happy bidding.
-Robert
