U.S. Springfield M1873 Trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine .45-70, 1877 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,455.69
LSB#: LSB250511JZ008
Make: Springfield
Model: Model 1873 Trapdoor
Serial Number: 75682
Year of Manufacture: 1877
Caliber: .45-70 (Black powder)
Action Type: Trapdoor, single shot
Markings: The rear of the breech is marked “75682”. The top of the action is marked “U.S Model 1873”. The lock plate is marked with a federal eagle and “U.S. Springfield”. The left side of the barrel is marked “VP P”. The right side of the barrel band is marked “U”. The heel of the buttplate is marked “US.”
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set into a barrel mounted base. The rear sight is an 1884 Buffington style rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a single piece walnut with a barrel band, two through bolts, saddle ring bar, straight wrist, straight comb, and steel buttplate with hinged compartment. There are heavy wear marks throughout. The forend has been repaired. There are several chips and cracks throughout. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fair overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is sharp. There is moderate to heavy erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 7/10 as an Antique.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors’ firearms.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about none of its metal finish. Most all the finish has been worn off or turned to patina. There are pitting marks throughout. The screw heads show moderate use. The markings are worn. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as an Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle has a half-cock safety. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This U.S. Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine, manufactured in 1877, is a rare and desirable example of an early U.S. cavalry-issued firearm. Chambered in .45-70 Government, these carbines were widely used by mounted troops during the Indian Wars and represent one of the most iconic American military arms of the late 19th century. Lighter and shorter than the full-length rifle, the 22” barrel and saddle ring bar made it more manageable for cavalry use on horseback. This particular example bears serial number 75682 and falls well within the correct range for authentic cavalry carbines. The carbine has seen significant service and shows honest wear throughout. The metal finish is completely worn to a smooth, dark patina with areas of pitting, but the major markings are still legible, including the “U.S. Model 1873” on the breechblock and the Springfield eagle on the lockplate. The bore is gray with sharp rifling and moderate to heavy erosion from black powder use, rating 7/10 by antique standards. The stock shows heavy wear with pressure dents, chips, and multiple cracks, especially around the forend. It appears to have been repaired and remains structurally sound but rates only fair overall. The carbine retains correct hardware, including the saddle ring bar and 1884 Buffington-style rear sight, which is a later arsenal upgrade over the earlier stepped sight. The action is functional, and the trapdoor mechanism, half-cock safety, and extractor are all intact.
For collectors of U.S. cavalry arms, Indian Wars-era weapons, or Springfield Armory firearms, this 1877 Trapdoor Carbine offers strong historical value and authentic military character. While cosmetically worn, it remains a complete and functional antique with excellent display potential and direct ties to a pivotal era in American military and frontier history. Its antique status adds to its accessibility and appeal to historians and enthusiasts alike. -R.E.
