Springfield Armory Model 1873 Trapdoor Rifle, .45-70 Govt., 32 Inch Barrel, 1880 Antique Infantry Configuration
Antique 1880 Springfield Armory Model 1873 Trapdoor rifle in .45-70 Govt., configured as an infantry rifle with a 32-inch round barrel and full-length walnut stock. It features the Model 1879 rifle ladder rear sight without windage knob, a top-hinged trapdoor breechblock with cam latch, and period-correct U.S. markings. The bore is bright and clean, making this Indian Wars era example a strong, well-documented representation of the type.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Markings from previous handling and use are present. The bore is bright and clean. Forward/middle-band sling swivel is absent; rear trigger-guard sling swivel and upper-band stacking swivel are present. Refer to pictures for details.
What’s Included
- Springfield Armory Model 1873 Trapdoor rifle (.45-70 Govt.)
- Cleaning rod
Manufactured in 1880 at Springfield Armory, this Model 1873 is an antique, Indian Wars era rifle that aligns with the infantry configuration: full-length walnut stock, two barrel bands, rear sling swivel on the trigger guard and an upper-band stacking swivel (forward/middle-band sling swivel absent), and a separate cleaning rod. Its 32-inch round steel barrel and steel receiver reflect the standard service-length format of the period.
The action is a single-shot, top-hinged trapdoor with a cam latch and an external hammer. Chambered in .45-70 Govt., it offers the classic trapdoor mechanism known for straightforward operation with service ammunition of the time.
Sighting equipment consists of a fixed blade front and the Model 1879 rifle ladder rear sight without a windage knob, matching the configuration noted for this pattern. These iron sights deliver the precise elevation adjustments associated with the era’s ladder design.
Markings include VP with eagle head barrel proofs, a lockplate stamped "U.S. SPRINGFIELD" with eagle, and a breechblock top stamp that is present though illegible. The oil-finished walnut stock shows the correct full-length profile with a straight grip, two bands, rear sling swivel and upper-band stacking swivel (forward sling swivel absent), and a cleaning rod channel.