*SOLD* Springfield Armory 1873 .45-70 Gov. Blue 22" *SCARCE CAVALRY CARBINE MODEL*

Bryant Ridge's Analysis:

The Model 1870 rifle and carbine marked a notable improvement over the earlier “Trapdoor Springfield” models, yet the use of the .50-70 Gov’t cartridge revealed its inadequacies, prompting a trial in 1872 to select a more effective standard for the U.S. Army’s infantry and cavalry. In 1873, the slightly modified Model 1870 designs were adopted, now chambered for the newly developed .45-70 Government cartridge, which offered superior ballistic performance. This cartridge, loaded with 70 grains of black powder and a 405-grain lead bullet, was optimized for both the rifle and a carbine version that reduced powder to 55 grains to lessen recoil. The new arms featured a blued finish, in contrast to the bright “National Armory Bright” finish of the Trapdoor models, while the Model 1873 bayonet was adapted from surplus Model 1855 bayonets, modified to fit the thinner barrels of the .45-70 rifles. The Model 1873 rifles and carbines were marked with “U.S. Model 1873” and “U.S. Springfield” alongside a “spread eagle” insignia on the side plate and featured a stock design with a “short comb/thin wrist” configuration. Notably, the rear sight was adjustable for elevation only, and the carbine utilized a “swivel bar and ring” assembly similar to that of the Model 1870. A total of 216,230 rifles, 20,028 carbines, and 8,588 Cadet Rifles were produced, with initial shipments to Western Army posts beginning in late 1873. Among the first units to receive the Model 1873 carbines was the 7th Cavalry, commanded by Lt. Col. George A. Custer. However, issues arose during the Battle of Little Bighorn in June 1876, notably with ammunition cases that were too soft, leading to jams, and the absence of a cleaning rod or broken shell extractor on the carbine, hindering effective operation. Additionally, the “thin wrist” stock was prone to breakage, which compounded the challenges faced by soldiers in the field.

Specifications:

• Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
• Model: 1873 Cavalry Carbine
• Serial: 449916
• Date of Manufacture: 1889
• Caliber: .45-70 Govt. 
• Finish: Blue 
• Barrel Length: 22" 
• Optics/Sights: Pinned Blade Front with Graduated Ladder Rear
• Stock/Grips: Hardwood Straight Grip Stock
• Action: Single-Shot, Breech-Loading, Trapdoor
• Markings: The breech block is marked “U.S. MODEL 1873.” The butt plate is stamped “U.S.” and the barrel band is "U" marked. The lock is marked with an Eagle and “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD.” Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a V over a P over an eagle's head over another P on the left side just above the stock. There is also a C on the sight ladder, indicating that it is for a Carbine and not a rifle. The left side of the stock above the trigger is stamped with a cartouche. 

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