This is a cut down Model 1873 Springfield trapdoor rifle in 45/70 caliber. Normal barrel length for the rifles was 32 1/2", 22" for carbines. The barrel length on this brass bead decorated shooter is 27". The bore is bright and the rifling is strong. The front sight is missing, though the barrel has been notched for a sight to have been installed. The rear sight is the standard 1100 yard ladder sight used on the 1873 trapdoors. The serial # of 48281 indicates the rifle was manufactured in 1875. The high arc breech, butt plate trigger guard and rear barrel band are all early production pieces. The breech markings, barrel stamps, US on the butt plate and the U on the barrel band are the early type, indicating that the weapon was built in early 1875. The lockplate is marked with the eagle motif and U.S./SPRINGFIELD, but there is no visible date. The hammer is the second style, using the fine knurling enclosed in an oval. The ramrod for this one is missing. The black walnut stock has been shortened to 31", with the overall length of the rifle being 43". The wood is in good condition, showing the normal wear, bumps and dings from over 140 years of handling. The circled P is still visible behind the trigger guard, but the ESA cartouche is worn away. This rifle was obviously captured or picked up from the battlefield and used by Native Americans during the Indian Wars. The stock has been decorated with brass beads. There are two rows on each side of the forearm, sixteen rows on the left and 17 on the right side. A very ornate pattern of brass beads has been applied to both sides of the short comb stock. This one has the look and feel of being there in the thick of the Plains wars! Some Native American warrior once carried this one proudly into battle. If only it could talk. If you collect Native American, Indian Wars or Springfield trapdoors then you need to take a hard look at this one!

Item # AA912

(Sold)