US Army Indian Wars Cavalry M-1873 Trapdoor Springfield Saddle Ring Carbine
SOLD FOR: $760
WOA#: WY240327LG014
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: M-1873 “Trapdoor” Springfield Saddle Ring Carbine
Serial Number: 125528
Year of Manufacture: The serial number dates this carbine to ca. March 1880, Antique
Caliber: .45-55. The carbine round used only 55 grains of powder (15 less than the standard round) to lessen recoil. That said, many cavalrymen preferred the power of the full strength cartridge, and chambered .45-70 rounds in their carbines.
Action Type: Single-Shot Forward Pivoting Breech-Block “Trapdoor” Carbine
Markings: This carbine has “U.S. / MODEL / 1873″ and “125528” on the top of the breechblock. The spread wing “American Eagle” has faded away from the lock plate; only “U.S. SPRINGFIELD” remains visible. The barrel band is marked “U”, the left rear barrel is marked “V / P / P / R”, and the buttplate is marked “US”.
Barrel Length: 26”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned by the muzzle. The rear sight is a M-1873 Buckhorn adjustable sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The walnut stock features a barrel band secured by a spring, a lock plate, a straight wrist, a straight comb, a sling bar and saddle ring at the left side of the wrist, and a metal semi-crescent buttplate with a cleaning kit trap. There are some major cracks near the wrist. There are some other scattered chips, cracks, and handling marks. The LOP is 13.25” from the trigger to the rear end of the buttplate. Overall, the stock is in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore has a dulled shine with sharp rifling. There is little corrosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: The carbine retains about 50% of its metal finish. The hammer appears to have been replaced. There is some overall pitting and patina. The markings are faded. The screwheads are marred but serviceable. Overall, the carbine is in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this carbine. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The M-1873 “Trapdoor” Springfield Saddle Ring Carbine is the US Army shoulder arm most closely associated with the US Cavalry in the Indian Wars. Indeed, it was “there” in the isolated outposts and long forgotten skirmishes that made up the less glorious military life, as well as the better known campaigns. This M-1873 was produced in 1880; while the power of the Sioux and Cheyenne on the Northern Plains and the Comanche in Texas had largely been whittled down by that date, the Apache were still on the warpath in the American Southwest, and US cavalrymen fought Victorio’s and Geronimo’s warriors for almost another decade. This is a fine example of a M-1873 Trapdoor Springfield Saddle Ring Carbine, and a great relic of a bygone era, that of the legendary US Cavalry. -K.F.
