M1873 Trapdoor Springfield Rifle….SOLD

A  Very Good Trapdoor Springfield Rifle in .45-70 Govt’

A good example of the famed Trapdoor Springfield U.S. Rifle in .45-70 govt’ serial number 291761. Overall length 52″.  Barrel length 32.3/8″.

One piece full length Black American Walnut Stock with steel butt-plate marked “U.S.” on upper tang.  A clear boxed script cartouche on the left wrist reads “SWP / 1885″  This was Samuel W. Porter, Master Armourer and date of manufacture.  Behind the trigger guard is a clear final inspection circled “P” cartouche.  The stock has the regular 10″ comb.

 

The breech area of the weapon externally is a mottled silver grey but in protected areas the case color hardening remains. Underneath the low arch breech there is substantially more visible colour.  The inside of the breech is very clean and is also exhibiting good case colours.  The serial number is above the original “hut” and is clearly visible.  Inside the opening breech is a recent British Black powder proof mark.

 

The flat lock plate has retained some 40-50% of its original blue, the rest is silvering and has patches of brown oxidisation over it.  The plate is clearly marked with the US Eagle with spread wings, clutching arrows, and reads “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD”.  The lock is a three position type.   Underneath the stock the two piece trigger guard has retained about 80% of its blue and has some high edge wear.  The rear sling swivel is attached to the guard.  Inspectors “A” stamped in at front of guard.

The round blued barrel has turned plumb-brown at the breech end and is clearly marked with the ” V / P / Eagles head ” over a “B”.   Forward of that is the Buffington rear sight with dished adjustment knobs, which shows good colours and is graduated to 1400 yards.  The rear sight is fully functioning.

Two barrel bands retain the barrel each marked with the Springfield “U” mark – both with some finish.  The front band also carries the forward sling swivel and the open stacking hook. They are retained by blued stock springs.  Blade on a block front sight.  Steel nose cap to for-end and correct tulip-head cleaning rod stowed under the stock.

The action is mechanically fine the bore is good.  The rifling is clear and there is one pitt about 12″ from the muzzle at 12 o’clock in the bore.  The condition of the stock is excellent with no splits or cracks, minor dings and dents from usage but with a pleasing gloss finish which will ward off water.

Taking advantage of the up-to-date Black Powder Proofs at 100 meters, with pleasing results.

  

A Classic Collectible Rifle with a liniage which can be traced from the Indian Wars right through to the Spanish American War and even WW1.

Stock code: f 257

£ 825.   SOLD

.

Comments Off on M1873 Trapdoor Springfield Rifle….SOLD