Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1875 Officer’s Model Trapdoor First Model

Serial Number: None

Year of Manufacture: 1875

Caliber: .45-70 Gov’t, Black Powder

Action Type: Pivoting Breech-Block Single-Shot Rifle

Barrel Length: 26″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a folding brass Beech-style sight presenting either a blade or a beaded post inside a ring, dovetailed directly to the barrel. The rear sight is a Model 1879 rifle sight graduated for elevation. Inletted into the wrist is a folding tang sight adjustable for both windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is finely checkered walnut with a straight comb, checkered wrist, and a decorative German silver nosecap. It is fitted with a steel carbine-style buttplate and a German silver pistol grip cap. The forend and wrist are sharply checkered. There is a small, surface-level crack just behind the lockplate. There is a small crack on the left side of the rifle in front the lock screw. The stock shows scattered minor compressions and light scratches throughout, but no chips or structural damage. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows wear and oxidation at the heel and toe. Overall, the stock rates in about Fine condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is scattered minor erosion and infrequent pitting. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 30% of its original metal finish. The barrel shows scattered areas of thinning, handling wear, and patina with small patches of surface oxidation. The case coloring on the lock and hammer has been retained, with some muted traces remain in protected areas. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool-marked with strong slots. The markings remain clear, including the “U.S. SPRINGFIELD 1873” lockplate and the barrel proofs. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The 1875 Officer’s Model was a remarkable fusion of military service heritage and fine sporting craftsmanship. Unlike the standard-issue rifles of the day, these were sold privately to U.S. Army officers—essentially hand-selected, deluxe versions of the Trapdoor Springfield with enhanced appointments. As the first and purest iteration of this concept, the First Model represents the foundational form of what became one of the most coveted categories in U.S. martial arms collecting.

This example has been classified as a “Group 5” rifle, based on the research of noted authority John P. Haynes. In his definitive study on Officer’s Model configurations, Haynes established a group system to identify authentic examples by their sights, stock hardware, lockplate engravings, and build characteristics. Group 5 rifles—like this one—are considered a mature form of the First Model, typically featuring the Beech-style folding front sight, M1879 rifle rear sight, wrist-mounted peep sight, checkered walnut stock with German silver forend cap, and color case-hardened engraved lock. These details all align with period documentation, including the original Springfield Armory broadside dated August 2, 1876, advertising these rifles for officer purchase.

There is a small, surface-level crack just behind the lockplate—a common location for minor stress lines on trapdoor rifles. It appears stable and does not detract significantly from the rifle’s presentation. With fewer than 500 Officer’s Models produced across all configurations, and far fewer surviving in the correct Group 5 configuration, this rifle represents a rare opportunity. The wood is sharp and well-figured, the action functions properly, and the bore remains bright with strong rifling. This is a collector-grade example from a historically elite class of American long arms—perfect for the advanced Springfield student or connoisseur of decorated martial rifles.