Springfield Armory Model 1873 Trapdoor Rifle .45-70 Govt, 32.5 inch Barrel, 1883 Antique, Indian Wars Era
This Springfield Armory Model 1873 Trapdoor Rifle is an 1883-production, Indian Wars era, single-shot .45-70 Govt. in the classic full-length rifle configuration. It features the trapdoor breechblock with cam latch, a 32.5 inch steel barrel with two barrel bands, the Model 1879 ladder rear sight, and a lockplate marked with the spread-wing eagle over "U.S. SPRINGFIELD." As an antique example with period-correct features, it offers strong appeal to collectors seeking a representative U.S. service-pattern rifle.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: The rifle is structurally solid for its vintage. The hardwood stock shows blemishes and areas of damage in several locations. The metal surfaces display widespread finish patina, and spots of pitting are present across the rifle. The rifling is defined but shows blemishes, and the bore presents well for its age.
What’s Included
- Springfield Armory Model 1873 Trapdoor Rifle (.45-70 Govt.)
Built by Springfield Armory in 1883, this Model 1873 represents the Indian Wars era configuration with a rifle-length 32.5 inch barrel, full-length stock, and two barrel bands. It retains the correct single-shot trapdoor system with external hammer and the cam-latched breechblock that defines the pattern.
The sights are period-appropriate, with a front blade and a Model 1879 rifle-pattern ladder rear sight. The front sight base/lug is configured to accept a socket bayonet, aligning with service-pattern features of the time.
Markings include the spread-wing eagle over "U.S. SPRINGFIELD" on the right lockplate and faint proof/inspection stamps on the left side of the barrel at the breech. The metal components are steel, and the rifle carries the expected sling swivels and stacking swivel hardware.
The stock is a full-length hardwood with a straight-wrist grip. Length of pull measures 13.5 inches, and the rifle retains its single-round capacity in .45-70 Govt., consistent with the original single-shot design. As an antique and collectible example, it embodies key characteristics valued by enthusiasts of U.S. trapdoor rifles.