Springfield 1873 Trapdoor Rifle & Bayonet. (f 338)…………SOLD

A Good Example of the 1873  by Springfield Armory.

This Springfield Musket has the “high arch” breech block conversion.  When the “trapdoor” is open it is easy to see that distinctive high arch on the underside of the block.  Also apparent are the strong colors of the hardening process.  The topside of the block it is clearly marked just in-front of the hinge ” MODEL / 1873 / eagles head / crossed arrows / US”  The crossed arrows, a direct reference to the conflict these weapons were involved in for a great proportion of their service life.  On inspection with a glass it is immediately apparent the quality of the markings is very fine.

The rifle is clearly marked over the rear of the breech opening with its serial number “31944”  The lock-plate is nicely marked with the American Eagle clutching two crossed arrows, next to “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD”   There is a good covering of original blue on the face of the flat lock.  The wood to metal fit is very good; it is a shame that a splinter of wood has broken away from the front of the lock, giving the impression the lock has been badly re-fitted and has pinched down on the wood,  which, it has not.

This is the full length Infantry Rifle of the time and measures from muzzle to center of  butt,  51.3/8″ in length.  The round blued barrel is 31.1/2″ long and has a simple front sight which doubles as the bayonet lug.  The caliber as with most of the Springfield 1873 rifles  is .45/70.   It has a full length  Walnut Stock with a steel cap at the front of the fore-end.   The stock is in good original condition with a smooth patina.  (At the time of photographing it had an incorrect Tower rod which has been removed.) It is fitted with the plain steel butt-plate with tang.  The tang is unit marked;  ” A /23 / P G”  – further research required.

Military cartouches are a little scarce on this weapon.  The left side wrist inspection mark is barely legible, but there is a final proof  “P”  between the steel trigger guard and some more unit markings on the underside of the butt, which are worth investigation, these read; “1 / A / 41”.

Most metal parts on the rifle have lost their original blue finish but there are traces in most of the inaccessible corners, the rest has turned to a pleasing russet brown grey.  The action is strong and functions flawlessly.  The bore is good with strong rifling most note-worth is the five-grove rifling . All the others that have passed through our hands have been three-grove bores.  There is a strong covering of blueing within the breech along with a complete lack of corrosion. The rear sight is of the ramp type with range markings on the right of the ramp in addition to the ladder.  There are two barrel bands and a stacking ring at the front end.  The face of the trigger is smooth.

Along with this rifle comes the triangular socket bayonet, used the world over.  It appears shortened but has a good degree of bluing on it, possibly a period refinish.  Length from socket opening to blade tip is 19.1/2″.    The flat of the blade is also marked “U.S.” and the fit is good.  A locking ring on the socket secures the bayonet in position.   This is a chance to purchase one of the most prolific rifles of the Indian Wars, which, at one time or another, was often seen being used by combatants on both sides of the conflict.  A piece of American history which served for an extremely long time, in many different conflicts, including the Spanish American war, in addition to the conflict named above.

A fine shooting collectible which can only accrue in value and, if used properly, can be fully appreciated for the accurate and powerful weapon it was in the era it was produced and supplied to the troops.

Stock No’  f 338

£ 1200…….SOLD

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