Make: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield

Model: Model 1873 Trapdoor Rifle

Serial Number: 30895

Year of Manufacture: 1874 / ATF Classification: Antique

Caliber/Gauge: .45-70, Black powder

Action Type: Trapdoor, single shot

Barrel Length: 32.5"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a barleycorn blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a Buffington ladder sight.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The refinished stock is a one-piece walnut with a forend cap, two barrel bands, two through bolts, sling loops, straight wrist, straight comb, and a smooth steel buttplate. There are deep crosses behind the guard and on the right of the forend behind the front band, possibly from a previously installed decoration. There are moderate handling marks with pressure dings, scuffs, and nicks scattered throughout. The right side of the forend and the bottom of the stock have crosses engraved into the wood. There are no cracks or major chips. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in Very Good overall condition as refinished Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is grey and the rifling is worn. There is light erosion, oxidation, and pitting throughout the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its current metal finish. There are scratches, spots of oxidation, and occasional light pitting scattered throughout. The screw heads show faint tool marks and retain strong slots. The markings are clear and complete. The left side of the receiver is marked "N.J.". Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: M1873 bayonet and leather sling.

Our Assessment: This is an early production Trapdoor rifle from the initial years of U.S. Army adoption, presented as a refinished example. The left of the receiver is marked "N.J", consistent with New Jersey Militia issued rifles. Approximately 80% of a nonoriginal finish remains on the metal surfaces, applied evenly and presenting cleanly. The stock has been refinished and retains correct contours with a tidy, period appropriate appearance.

Mechanically, the rifle remains sound. The bore rates 7 out of 10, showing moderate wear consistent with age while retaining usable rifling. The trapdoor action functions correctly, opening and closing smoothly with proper lockup. The long 32.6" barrel provides the extended sight radius and balance characteristic of full length infantry rifles of the era.

The inclusion of an M1873 bayonet and leather sling enhances historical context and display value, presenting a representative infantry set from the early Trapdoor period. These accoutrements are closely associated with the Model 1873 and add meaningful completeness to the offering.

Historically, the 1874 production date places this rifle firmly within the Indian Wars era, when the Model 1873 served as the standard U.S. Army service rifle. Early examples like this represent the foundational stage of the Trapdoor system before later refinements and were frequently issued to State Militias as new models were introduced to the Regular Army. While refinished, this rifle remains a mechanically correct and visually compelling example of early Trapdoor service, further strengthened by the inclusion of correct period accessories.