Make: Springfield Armory

Model: Model 1873 Trapdoor Carbine

Serial Number: 254357

Year of Manufacture: 1884 (Antique)

Caliber: .45-70 Government

Action Type: Trapdoor Breechblock, Single Shot

Markings: The serial number “254357” 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 due to wear. The buttplate tang is marked “U.S.” and the cleaning rod and trapdoor is intact.

Barrel Length: 22”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned in a base. The rear sight is a folding leaf sight marked “C” with a fixed “V” notch at the base and an elevator bar with additional notches for elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece straight grip walnut carbine stock with a short forearm secured by a single barrel band. The LOP measures 13 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the steel carbine buttplate. The stock shows handling marks throughout. There is mild wear around the lockplate and wrist. There is a crack on the right side of the wrist. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: Not applicable. This is a single shot rifle.

Type of Finish: Blued and Case Colored

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright, the rifling is mostly sharp. There is light scattered visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 20% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning and wear from age and use. The case coloring on the breechblock has mostly faded to patina. There is general handling wear with scattered nicks, spots of oxidation, pitting throughout the barrel, and faint surface freckling. The screw heads are lightly tooled with serviceable slots. The pins are unmarred. The markings are mostly sharp and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Springfield Model 1873 “Trapdoor” Carbine was the standard U.S. cavalry longarm from the Indian Wars through the mid-1880s. Its robust, simple trapdoor mechanism was an evolution from the Civil War-era Allin conversions, chambered in the powerful .45-70 Government cartridge. This particular example, made in 1884, represents the final years of this model before the adoption of the bolt-action Krag-Jørgensen.

This carbine retains many of the original features expected on cavalry-issue Trapdoors, including the 22” barrel, “C”-marked carbine rear sight, and buttplate with cleaning rod trap. The patina and wear are consistent with a field-used but well-preserved military weapon, and the sharpness of the bore is particularly impressive for a black powder-era gun. While the stock shows honest age and wear, the action is tight and the markings remain mostly clear.

Collectors of American military arms will appreciate this carbine for its historical value and its configuration as a true cavalry-issued example. Whether for historical reenactments, display, or a curated U.S. martial collection, this Springfield Model 1873 stands as an enduring piece of 19th-century American frontier and military history.