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US Model 1873 - Springfield Carbine: 45-70 “Trap-Door”
Guns International #: 101573148 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Springfield Rifles - Trapdoor - Military Rifles - Antique
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: As-issued-collector
Member Since: 12/19/20
First Name: James
Last Name: Christman
State: Florida
Zip: 33708
Country: United States
Phone: (727) 560-8560
Number of Active Listings: 3
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Returns may be possible? If there is a specific concern / reason expressed and documented PRIOR to purchase.
Payment Types Accepted: Money Order --Cashiers Check -- Personal Check Up to 5 to 10 days after receipt).
Description:
US Model 1878 - Springfield Carbine: 45-70 “Trap-Door”
Possibly Schuyler Hartley & Graham (SHG) Produced?
This rifle has all of the appropriate markings of an 1878 Springfield 45/70 Carbine. And that is why I bought it back in 1972. But, when I decided to list the rifle I ask a 45/70 expert to confirm this. And all looked correct for a “78” until he noticed a very small 1/8th inch difference in width between the receiver and the bedding of the stock, which indicated to him that the stock was produced in the 1880’s and not in 1878? Which would mean it could be an arsenal rebuild? But I couldn’t find the 5-pointed star near the Serial number that would indicate that this was an arsenal rebuild. So, I'm going with the experts opinion which leaves to the determination that this Carbine could be an SGH production? (://americanrifleman/content/u-s-springfield-45-70-gov-t-trapdoor-carbine/). Bottom line, I think that it is a correct 1878 Carbine, but it might not be? So I have to be fare, and go with the worse-case scenario that it could be an SGH, which is not that bad actually. In any case this is a pretty nice carbine. SGH did not mark their carbines.
Explanation of the SGH Produced Carbines.
The 45/70 Carbine was very popular with civilians out in the west from the Late 1870’s until the middle of the 90’s. And, while ex-military carbines were available, they were in very limited supply and most were pretty much banged up. Springfield was still under contract to only produced 45/70’s for the military, so new ones were not available to the general public. This opened up a pretty good market opportunity for SHG. SGH was a very experienced quality military materials supplier, and they knew that 100% Springfield produced replacement parts were readily available. So, they jumped all over this opportunity and produced a significant number of “new” 45/70’s.
SHG was not a second-rate arms manufacturer by a long shot, they were the largest general military materials producer in the US during the 1860’s. In fact, they were selected to design and produce a very special presentation sword for General Grant, presented to him in April 1862. The sword can be seen at the National Museum of American History.
SHG was not the only Carbine “assembler” there were others. But SGH carbines are generally recognized as the best non-Springfield assembled carbines. And as far as my research has determined, SHG was the only producer that made it into the Sears Catalog, which was a very big deal at the time. To be clear there are no reproduction parts on this carbine, all parts are original period correct Springfield produced, just not Springfield assembled.
The primary parts receiver and barrel all seem to match and be correct for an 1878. But according to the expert the stock is a later replacement. The fit and finish is excellent even when compared to the Springfield productions. So, if you want a nice 100% percent 1880’s Springfield 45/70 Carbine, that might not be a Springfield Armory Production? You might consider this one?
There are a lot of collectors out there that know much more about the 45/70’s, then I do. If you see an issue with any of this description. I would really appreciate you letting me know. Seriously. I do not want to misrepresent this firearm.
See: ://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah 420937, for photos of the Grant sword.
Applies to all listings:
In 2002, the entire collection was professionally removed from wood and inspected for condition, then cleaned, lubricated and reassembled, by a very experienced and professional Gunsmith. All received a clean bill of health and were considered to be in much better condition than appropriate for the age. Because I was interested in maintaining as much of the original condition as possible, they have only been lightly cleaned and oiled by me. Because of this most rifles have some oil build-up in the tight places. The entire collection has never out of a temperature-humidity, controlled environment. Most post 1920 guns have been fired by a qualified gunsmith or range master, for reliability, functionality and safety confirmation. I have fired a few, limited to a total of <200 rounds.
Firearms that are equipped for them have as-issued correct Bayonet and Scabbards, in very good condition. Most have period correct: Slings, clips and / or removable magazines. All have the expected stampings and / or cartouches. As far as I know, there are no reproduction replacement parts in this collection! Some Government Arsenal Reconditions are included with clear markings of this reconditioning, and these are identified in the listing.
Based on my knowledge, all firearms are mechanically sound and complete. However, I am NOT warranting them as safe to fire. This must be determined by a qualified range master or gunsmith. All firearms are offered as collector’s items only. Seller does not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any firearm. The be really clear, a thorough inspection should be conducted by an experienced, reliable gunsmith / rangemaster, before even considering firing any gun.
Specific descriptions related to a Firearms are based on knowledge at the time of the listing.
No Firearm is intentionally misrepresented and they are described as accurately and to the best of my ability, as possible. Please make your own determinations. A 3rd party, totally independent gunsmith. Is available for consultation / condition confirmation, at the buyer’s expense. Or, if you have a contact in the Tampa Bay Florida area, I’ll take it to them. I am available to take phone inquiries. Between 9AM & 6 PM. Most days.
Abiding by and meeting any and all: City, state or federal regulations regarding the purchase or owning of firearms, or any item related to the firearm. Such as clips, magazines, bayonets or any item listed or sold with the firearm, is the sole responsibility of the purchaser to abide by.
The Buyer must have a valid Driver’s License and complete the Florida Individual Person: Firearm & Ammunition Transfer Disclosure Document, for every sale? It only takes about 5 minutes to complete and besides it is a good thing for the Buyer to have because it provides the source of the rifle for the Buyer. My complete contact information, DL and Carry Permit numbers are on this form. Because an FFL dealer is the only person in the transaction that understands the regulations and laws of the Buyer’s state/city etc.; I will only ship to an FFL License, and the FFL Holder will need to contact me and provide a copy of the license, or at least the license number prior to shipping.
All taxes, fees, insurance, customs and / or any other non-firearm specific regulations, related to the listing is the responsibility of the buyer or buyer’s representative
Thank you for your understanding and agreement.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .45-70 Government
Manufacturer: Springfield / SGH?
Model: 1878
Serial Number: 87298
Barrel Length: 22 inches
Condition: very good
Metal Condition: Very good
Wood Condition: very good
Bore Condition: Very good
Action: Crisp and tight
Triggers: tight - no take up
Stock: minor scratches and some wear but very good for 140 years old.