U.S. Springfield Trapdoor 1873 Carbine 45-70 Single Shot Rifle 1881 Antique
SOLD FOR: $7575.50
LSB#: 230407LC005
Make: U.S. Springfield Armory
Model: 1873 Carbine
Serial Number: 146144
Year of Manufacture: 1881 (Trapdoor Springfield, Waite, Page 207.)
Caliber: .45-70 Government, Carbine Load. Black Powder.
Action Type: Single-Shot Forward Pivoting Breech-Block “Trapdoor”
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned on top of a rectangular base set on the barrel. The rear sight is a V notched blade with steps that flips up to become a sliding sight ladder. The rear sight shows a “C” marking.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a straight grip, one barrel band, carbine sling swivel bar with ring, and a keyhole metal buttplate with the included cleaning rods. The wood shows a few scratches, scrapes and wood compressions from handling and storage. The butt plate and stock hardware have cleaned erosion, dings, and varying degrees of thinning on the leading edges. Stock cartouches are strong and present on the wood. The most notable mark is a scratch at the top of the wrist. There are no cracks or chips. The LOP measures 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The stocks rate in about Very Good Plus – Fine overall condition for its age.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion at the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion and for the age, this bore rates a 9.5 out of 10.
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 disregard the bore’s condition for collectors firearms.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 93% of its metal finish. The metal shows scratches and dings. The barrel shows thinning at the muzzle, and small specklings of surface oxidation. The receiver has scuffing on the left side, as well as light finish thinning at the wood line of the stock. The bottom metal shows scratches and light discoloration from thinning. The screw heads are tool marked but still sharp. The markings are deep. The receiver markings are slightly interrupted by light surface oxidation. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition for its age.
Mechanics: The action and extractor function 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-inch 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 rifle features a full-length stock made of walnut or other high-quality woods, and has a straight wrist and a handguard that extends to the front sight. The rear sight is adjustable for elevation and windage, and the rifle has a safety that is located on the right side of the receiver. 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. The rifle is known for its accuracy and reliability, and was highly regarded by soldiers who used it in combat.
This Springfield Model 1873 Carbine was manufactured in the first months of 1881. This carbine features a carbine sling bar with saddle ring. The rear sight is carbine marked. Most of the markings are strong and shows collectible cartouches on the stock. The inspectors cartouche shows “1880”, however the serial range for the receiver shows being built in 1881. The sights slide nicely and the action functions correctly. The breech case coloring is impressive. The rifle overall isn’t bad for being over 140 years old. If you are a Trapdoor collector or looking for a carbine in .45-70, this might be the one for you.
-Luke
