Mass produced by the Springfield Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts between 1879 and 1885, a total of 160,000 of the .45-70 caliber Trapdoor rifles were made.

This rifle specimen, in fine original condition, measures a total of 52” in length, bears serial number #269191 showing production in late 1884. Its round barrel measures almost 33” long, has three-groove rifling in .45 caliber and accommodates a centerfire .45-70 metallic cartridge. Bore is excellent. Iron surfaces wear a fine, blue / black factory coloring and show excellent original casehardening on the low-arch breech block and barrel tang. There are some scattered spots of oxidation but nothing serious. Breechblock bears the clear stamping “US / MODEL / 1873 at the hinge and the serial number on the upper flat at back of the receiver. Iron lockplate, with no bevel, fits flush with stock and exhibits a spreadwinged eagle motif in front of hammer. Stamping “US / SPRINGFIELD” forward of eagle.

Mechanics crisp, excellent. Hammer has the fine knurled lip. Stacking swivels at the upper barrel band; regular swivel at the triggerguard. Excellent black walnut stock never cleaned and exhibits a mellow patina with very few handling marks. Stock does show minor wear from age. Very fine, deep government cartouche “SWP / 1884” stamped on left wrist area. Stock bears the firing test proof in fancy script “P” (within a circle) to rear of the triggerguard plate on stock underside.

Barrel has Model 1879 long-range rear sight with the folding adjustable slide leaf. Ramrod has a small button tip with slot blow it.  [AD]

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