US Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 – MFD 1878 32 inch Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,125.00
LSB#: WY241012LSB001
Make: US Springfield
Model: 1873 Trapdoor Rifle
Serial Number: 304622
Year of Manufacture: 1878
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Trapdoor Rifle
Markings: The right side of the lock is marked with an Eagle, and “U.S. / Springfield”. The top of the receiver is marked “304622”. The letter “U” is found on the barrel bands. The top of the buttplate is marked “US”. The stock is well marked; the left side above the trigger has a nicely marked cartouche “SNP / 1888”, & circle “P” behind the lower tang. The trapdoor is marked “US / Model / 1878”. There is “VP”, Eagle head and “P” on the barrel left side, and “V” on the top. In front the trigger guard on the tang is marked “A”.
Barrel Length: 32 ? inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade and the rear sight is a Buffington model.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is the original one piece, oil finished and military inspected piece of wood. There are scattered dings, marks and depressions, but no cracks. There is truly very little wear on the wood (especially relative to its age), there is very little oil staining. The LOP measures 13 ? inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the steel plate. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Color Case Hardened
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the muzzle. The Bore rates 10/10 in this writer’s opinion for its age at antique.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning from a bayonet at the muzzle, marking and dings to the barrel at both bands and a light drift to the patina. The thumb-latch has some scarring on it from the hammer. This gives us the impression that there may have been some parks swapped at one time over the years.The top of the chamber door seems to have been touched up in this writer’s opinion. It is brighter than the rest of the gun. The lock and trigger guard are also blue, with freckled surface rust. The butt plate shows the most thinning and about 50% coverage of pitting. The screw heads are about as sharp as you could expect, showing only slight distress. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about very fine condition, certainly for its age.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, but there is some rub/ drag where the hammer hits the thumb-latch giving us the impression that some parts may have been changed over the years. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The ramrod.
Our Assessment: This is no doubt the best 1878 Trapdoor we have seen in years. The stock is as sharp as the metal. Everything is properly and well-marked and the gun is truly as sharp as could be expected for 146 years of wear and age.
The Springfield Model 1873 was the first standard-issue breech-loading rifle adopted by the United States Army (although the Springfield Model 1866 had seen limited issue to troops along the Bozeman Trail in 1867). The rifle, in both full-length and carbine versions, was widely used in subsequent battles against Native Americans. If you’re a collector without one in your stable, it would behoove you to take a gander at this rifle. It is definitely collector grade. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition in our high quality photos. Good luck on your bid. -K.F.
