Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this Historic single-shot carbine for a penny-start auction; this is the U.S. Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: U.S. Springfield
Model: 1873 Trapdoor Carbine
Serial: 186888
Date of Manufacture: 1882 (According to https://www.nps.gov/spar/learn/historyculture/u-s-springfield-trapdoor-production-serial-numbers.htm)
Caliber: .45-70
Finish: Blue and Case Colored
Barrel Length: 22" Round
Optics/Sights: Pinned Blade Front and Folding Leaf Rear Marked “C” with A Fixed “V” Notch at the Base and an Elevator Bar with Additional Notches for Elevation
Stock/Grips: Smooth One-Piece Walnut Stock
Action: Single-Shot, Breechblock Trapdoor Carbine
Markings: Standard / The serial number “186888” is located at the top of the receiver behind the breechblock. The breechblock is marked “U.S. / MODEL / 1873” as well. The barrel is marked with a “V / P / eaglehead” proof on the left side near the breech. The lockplate is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD” with the eagle motif in between. The rear sight base is marked “C” for carbine. There are no visible cartouches on the left side of the stock. The buttplate tang is marked “U.S.,” and the cleaning rod and trapdoor are intact.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The U.S. Springfield 1873 Trapdoor Carbine holds a pivotal place in American military history as the first standard-issue breechloading rifle adopted by the United States Army. Chambered in the powerful .45-70 Government cartridge, the carbine variant was developed specifically for mounted cavalry units, offering a shorter 22-inch barrel and lighter overall weight compared to the infantry rifle, making it more manageable on horseback. Its distinctive "trapdoor" mechanism—so named for the hinged breechblock that flips upward to load a single cartridge—was a relatively simple and economical adaptation of earlier muzzle-loading designs, allowing the Army to modernize without entirely replacing its manufacturing infrastructure. The design provided faster loading and improved rate of fire over percussion rifles, while retaining robust reliability in harsh frontier conditions. Issued from the mid-1870s through the late 1880s, the 1873 carbine became synonymous with the Indian Wars period, famously carried by U.S. cavalry at engagements such as the Battle of the Little Bighorn. In practical use, the Springfield 1873 Trapdoor Carbine offered solid accuracy and considerable stopping power, though its performance was often debated due to differences between the rifle and carbine ammunition loads. The reduced .45-55 cartridge issued for carbines—intended to lessen recoil—sacrificed some range and velocity compared to the full-power rifle load, leading to criticism in situations where cavalry found themselves engaging enemies at longer distances. The carbine’s sights were adjustable for elevation, accommodating various engagement ranges, and the overall construction was rugged, with walnut stocks, blued steel fittings, and a saddle ring for mounted carry. While eventually replaced by more modern repeating rifles, the 1873 Trapdoor Carbine remains a historically important firearm, both as a transitional design bridging the muzzle-loading and repeater eras, and as an enduring symbol of the U.S. frontier soldier. Today, surviving examples—especially with original cavalry markings—are highly sought after by collectors for their direct link to one of the most iconic periods of American military history.
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.
Model: 1873 Trapdoor Carbine
Serial: 186888
Date of Manufacture: 1882 (According to https://www.nps.gov/spar/learn/historyculture/u-s-springfield-trapdoor-production-serial-numbers.htm)
Caliber: .45-70
Finish: Blue and Case Colored
Barrel Length: 22" Round
Optics/Sights: Pinned Blade Front and Folding Leaf Rear Marked “C” with A Fixed “V” Notch at the Base and an Elevator Bar with Additional Notches for Elevation
Stock/Grips: Smooth One-Piece Walnut Stock
Action: Single-Shot, Breechblock Trapdoor Carbine
Markings: Standard / The serial number “186888” is located at the top of the receiver behind the breechblock. The breechblock is marked “U.S. / MODEL / 1873” as well. The barrel is marked with a “V / P / eaglehead” proof on the left side near the breech. The lockplate is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD” with the eagle motif in between. The rear sight base is marked “C” for carbine. There are no visible cartouches on the left side of the stock. The buttplate tang is marked “U.S.,” and the cleaning rod and trapdoor are intact.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The U.S. Springfield 1873 Trapdoor Carbine holds a pivotal place in American military history as the first standard-issue breechloading rifle adopted by the United States Army. Chambered in the powerful .45-70 Government cartridge, the carbine variant was developed specifically for mounted cavalry units, offering a shorter 22-inch barrel and lighter overall weight compared to the infantry rifle, making it more manageable on horseback. Its distinctive "trapdoor" mechanism—so named for the hinged breechblock that flips upward to load a single cartridge—was a relatively simple and economical adaptation of earlier muzzle-loading designs, allowing the Army to modernize without entirely replacing its manufacturing infrastructure. The design provided faster loading and improved rate of fire over percussion rifles, while retaining robust reliability in harsh frontier conditions. Issued from the mid-1870s through the late 1880s, the 1873 carbine became synonymous with the Indian Wars period, famously carried by U.S. cavalry at engagements such as the Battle of the Little Bighorn. In practical use, the Springfield 1873 Trapdoor Carbine offered solid accuracy and considerable stopping power, though its performance was often debated due to differences between the rifle and carbine ammunition loads. The reduced .45-55 cartridge issued for carbines—intended to lessen recoil—sacrificed some range and velocity compared to the full-power rifle load, leading to criticism in situations where cavalry found themselves engaging enemies at longer distances. The carbine’s sights were adjustable for elevation, accommodating various engagement ranges, and the overall construction was rugged, with walnut stocks, blued steel fittings, and a saddle ring for mounted carry. While eventually replaced by more modern repeating rifles, the 1873 Trapdoor Carbine remains a historically important firearm, both as a transitional design bridging the muzzle-loading and repeater eras, and as an enduring symbol of the U.S. frontier soldier. Today, surviving examples—especially with original cavalry markings—are highly sought after by collectors for their direct link to one of the most iconic periods of American military history.
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.
