Description
Click here to view the Live Auction 1116250886
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this Historic single-shot rifle for a penny-start auction; this is the U.S. Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: U.S. Springfield
Model: 1873
Serial: 287879
Date of Manufacture: 1885 (According to the Serial Number https://www.nps.gov/spar/learn/historyculture/u-s-springfield-trapdoor-production-serial-numbers.htm)
Caliber: .45-70
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 32 ½"
Optics/Sights: Pinned Blade Front with Elevation Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth One-Piece Walnut Stock
Action: Single-Shot, Trapdoor Rifle
Markings: Standard / The top of the receiver under the hammer is marked with the serial number “287879.” The lockplate is engraved with an American Eagle & “U.S. SPRINGFIELD.” The left side of the stock is stamped with the cartouche “SWP / 1884.” The left side of the barrel is stamped “V P Eagle Head P.” The top of the buttplate is stamped “U.S.” The top of the breech is stamped “US / MODEL / 1873 (deeply stamped & looks like 1878).” The bottom of the stock is marked with a stylized “P” in a circle.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The U.S. Springfield Model 1873 was a pivotal development in American military firearms history, marking the U.S. Army’s transition from muzzleloading to breechloading technology. Officially adopted as the standard service rifle following extensive trials, it was built around a unique hinged-breech “trapdoor” mechanism designed by Erskine S. Allin. This system allowed soldiers to load a single cartridge through the top of the receiver, dramatically improving the rate of fire and ease of use compared to the percussion cap muzzleloaders it replaced. Chambered in the then-new .45-70 Government cartridge, the Model 1873 offered significantly improved range, power, and accuracy, making it especially effective in frontier conflicts during the Indian Wars. The rifle featured a full-length walnut stock, 32.5-inch barrel, and iron sights, with various improvements introduced throughout its service life.
Model: 1873
Serial: 287879
Date of Manufacture: 1885 (According to the Serial Number https://www.nps.gov/spar/learn/historyculture/u-s-springfield-trapdoor-production-serial-numbers.htm)
Caliber: .45-70
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 32 ½"
Optics/Sights: Pinned Blade Front with Elevation Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth One-Piece Walnut Stock
Action: Single-Shot, Trapdoor Rifle
Markings: Standard / The top of the receiver under the hammer is marked with the serial number “287879.” The lockplate is engraved with an American Eagle & “U.S. SPRINGFIELD.” The left side of the stock is stamped with the cartouche “SWP / 1884.” The left side of the barrel is stamped “V P Eagle Head P.” The top of the buttplate is stamped “U.S.” The top of the breech is stamped “US / MODEL / 1873 (deeply stamped & looks like 1878).” The bottom of the stock is marked with a stylized “P” in a circle.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The U.S. Springfield Model 1873 was a pivotal development in American military firearms history, marking the U.S. Army’s transition from muzzleloading to breechloading technology. Officially adopted as the standard service rifle following extensive trials, it was built around a unique hinged-breech “trapdoor” mechanism designed by Erskine S. Allin. This system allowed soldiers to load a single cartridge through the top of the receiver, dramatically improving the rate of fire and ease of use compared to the percussion cap muzzleloaders it replaced. Chambered in the then-new .45-70 Government cartridge, the Model 1873 offered significantly improved range, power, and accuracy, making it especially effective in frontier conflicts during the Indian Wars. The rifle featured a full-length walnut stock, 32.5-inch barrel, and iron sights, with various improvements introduced throughout its service life.
Produced at the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts, the Model 1873 remained in active service for over two decades, seeing action in notable engagements such as the Battle of the Little Bighorn. While some criticized the single-shot design in the era of emerging repeaters, the Trapdoor Springfield proved to be rugged, reliable, and relatively easy to maintain under field conditions. It was favored by Ordnance officers for its simplicity and affordability, both crucial factors for a rapidly expanding army during westward expansion. Later refinements to the Model 1873 included strengthened receivers, upgraded sights, and modifications to the breechblock. Its legacy continued through several variants and remained influential in shaping U.S. military small arms well into the 1890s, making it a cornerstone of late 19th-century American military armament.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
