This is a Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Rifle. This rifle is chambered in 45-70 caliber and has a serial number of #156185 with a star at the end of the number. It is believed that the star (which looks like a five-petal flower) was used by Springfield to indicate a gun which was made from a combination of parts and either held in reserve or issued to groups like the National Guard. Based on the star at the end of the serial number it appears that this Model 1873 was made in either 1881 or 1882. The gun appears to be all original and complete with it's brass firing pin, however the rear sight appears to be from a carbine (graduated to longer ranges) and the leaf is loose on the sight and not correct for the sight (see photos). The gun still has it's field cleaning rod and there is a brown leather sling attached to the sling swivels, but we're not sure if the leather sling is original to the gun (see photos).
The barrel measures 32.6' and has turned patina but still has a few slight remnants of blue around the rear sight base. The barrel retains very good rifling and the bore is shiny.
Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor.45-70 caliber carbine. Here is a great example of a Cavalry carbine used throughout the plains. Serial number puts this carbine being manufactured in 1887. Barrel has 50% original bluing mixed with patina. Bore is bright and shiny with strong rifling. Stock is in great condition with sharp cartouches. An overall great example of a cavalry carbine! Apr 11, 2011 - While bearing a serial number in the coveted 'Custer range' can. With a different Custer range: the Springfield “trap-door” carbine or rifle,.
There is some minor pitting in the bore, however it does not show any evidence of black powder cartridge use. The breechblock, hammer, lockplate and trigger guard have lost all their original finish with the lockplate showing a very faint bit of case around the hammer. The inside of the breech block also has a very slight amount of case still present (see photos). There is some light surface rust on the barrel in front of the rear sight with a few spots of rust on the breech block and some small spots of pitting in the hammer. The lockplate has some staining as well, but overall the metal on this Springfield is in very good condition for it's age (see photos). Both barrel bands are stamped with a 'U' on the right-side. The top of the barrel at the breech is stamped with a 'V' and 'P' over an Eagle with 'P' below (see photos).
The breech block is stamped on top with 'U.S. MODEL 1873' and the top of the frame behind the breech block is stamped with the serial number '156185' and as mentioned a star is stamped at the end of the serial number (see photos). The lockplate is stamped with the war eagle and 'U.S. SPRINGFIELD 1873'.
The war eagle stamp is still crisp and clear. The inscription 'U.S. SPRINGFIELD' to the right of the war eagle is not as crisp and starting to fad into the staining on the lockplate, but it's still legible. The stock appears to have it's original finish and is stamped with the firing proof (Circle Script P) behind the trigger guard (see photos) and inspectors cartouch 'SWP 1887' on left-side of the gun at the wrist.
The circle 'P' stamp can clearly be seen, however the inspectors cartouch on the left-side of the stock is starting to fade, but is still visible under some handling marks (see photos). There are quite a few dings, divots and chips in the stock, which is typical of military-type gun this age.
Some of the dings and divots are deep with the most noticeable being in both sides of the stock, between the barrel bands and in the bottom of the stock, near the toe (see photos). The most noticeable chips are in the right-side of the stock, near the front barrel band and below the lockplate.
There's also some noteworthy chips in the left-side of the stock, between the barrel bands and above the trigger guard. There is a piece broken and missing from the top of the stock on the left-side, next to the tang (see photos). Other than all these handling marks from the years, the stock is actually in good condition with only one thin crack, behind the lockplate on the right-side (see photos). The blue is gone from the steel buttplate and it has some nicks, but overall it's in good condition with the 'US' stamp at the heel still crisp (see photos). We did not test-fire the gun, but it's fully intact and appears to be completely functional. Overall the gun is in excellent condition mechanically and good to very good in appearance. Serial #156185.
From what we can tell the Springfield Model 1873 with the 'star' serial number is usually found as a carbine. This Springfield Rifle would make an interesting addition to your collection of Trapdoor arms. In order to purchase this firearm you MUST be at least 18 years of age and provide proof (valid driver's license) or provide an FFL or C&R before this firearm can be shipped. Any ONE of the afore mentioned will be accepted for shipment of this rifle. An adult signature will also be required upon delivery of this firearm. This auction starts at a penny with no reserve. We run our items for the entire duration of the auction and will not cancel prior to the ending date.
This is a Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Rifle. This rifle is chambered in 45-70 caliber and has a serial number of #156185 with a star at the end of the nu. We are a large full-service gun shop in the suburban Detroit area that has been in business for over 25 years. We offer a 5 day return policy if not completely satisfied with this item. We accept most major credit cards; VISA, MasterCard, Discover ( No AMEX ) and do not charge you extra for the use of your credit card.
We also accept money orders/cashiers checks and personal checks as payment. If you pay by personal check, we will hold the check for 14 business days from the day we receive the check. Michigan residents will be charged 6% sales tax. Shipping and Insurance: $30.00 sent UPS Ground Service to the lower 48 states.
If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail us or give us a call toll free at: 1-866-525-1130, 9:30am to 6:00pm EST, Mon.