 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
US Springfield Model 1877 Trapdoor Carbine Made in 1877, Possible 7th of 9th Cavalry Issue
Guns International #: 102047039 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Springfield Rifles - Trapdoor - Springfield Rifles - Antique
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: Brent Wilburn
Company: Antique Arms, Inc.
Member Since: 11/19/15
First Name: Brent
Last Name: Wilburn
State: Georgia
Zip: 30052
Country: United States
Phone: (678) 471-1432
Phone2: (678) 471-1432
Premium Seller
Number of Active Listings: 45
Total Number of Listings: 584
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Money Order, Certified Check
Description:
This is a rather scarce US Springfield Model 1877 Trapdoor Carbine in 45-70 that was built in 1877. Rock Island just sold one of these for $5875.00 last week! This model was basically the same as the Model 1873 with a few improvements from lessons learned from the 7th Cavalry at the Battle of Little Bighorn. The stock on the Model 1877 was strengthened by lengthening the comb, fattening the wrist, and a compartment was added in the buttstock for a jointed cleaning rod and a shell extractor. This was due to evidence that the 1873 carbines had failed to extract 45-70 shell casings and soldiers had no way to remove a ruptured shell casing during the battle. There were less than 3000 Model 1877 Carbines built before other variants were introduced. This one is number 75470 and this number is in some good company in the National Archives via Springfield Research. Its just 4 digits above 75466 which was issued to Company B of the 7th Cavalry and its just 3 digits below 75473 which was turned in by the 9th Cavalry (the famous Buffalo Soldiers) in 1883 due to a bad barrel. One look at this carbine and you know it was carried and used in battle. It just speaks to you. This was not something from back East. Look at how light the walnut has turned from lack of humidity. This one spent a lot of time in an arid climate. If I had to guess, I would say Arizona or New Mexico where units likethe 9th Cavalry and as well as other Cavalry units fought the Apache. Of course, the Apaches captured quite a few of these carbines which are evident in Circa 1886 photographs of Geronimo and his warriors. This carbine remains in Good Condition in its original configuration with a clear ESA (Erskine S. Allen) 1877 dated cartouche in the small oval on the left side of the wrist. How many carbines do you find with clear cartouches that havent' been sanded off from arsenal rebuilds? And better yet, an early cartouche from the 1870's? The barrel band still has its original early Model 1874 Metcalfe Patent stacking swivel which was omitted in later models. If you look close, you can still read some of the tiny patent date on the swivel. The bottom of the stock has a faint Circle P proof. The metal has very good markings throughout with the early style 1873 dated lockplate and Model 1873 Breech which is the early high arch. According to my literature, the Model 1877 carbines produced during the first year...actually before March 1878 have the early high arch blocks before going to the low arch. The rear sight is 2nd form Model 1877 pattern with the smooth arch denoted with "C" for carbine on both the base and the ladder. The 2nd Pattern was adopted in May 1878 so this carbine may have been upgraded to this pattern very early in it's life. It's certainly been on this gun for forever and still has the non-slotted domed screws attaching it to the barrel. The front sight base is original and at some point many years ago, a brass insert replaced the original US Army steel issue blade. The reason the Army made these with interchangeable blades was because they knew they would get worn down in the field. The stock still has the compartment for the cleaning rods and shell extractor (empty). Overall, the metal has turned to a grey patina with splotches of heavy patina along the barrel. These areas could be cleaned up to even out the gun but many collectors like to find these Indian War era items left alone. The stock is very grainy and light from being in low humidity for many years. There numerous nicks, dings, spur marks, and a couple of fairly notable gashes...possibly from combat. There are a few minor dry cracks but nothing more than an inch long...mainly from the wood drying around the metal and inert. Action works. It actually has a pretty good bore. Nice little carbine that likely served in New Mexico or Arizona in the campaigns against the Apaches OR fought on both sides. Antique, Pre-1898. No FFL Required in Most States. No sales to NJ, NYC, DC, Chicago, or HI. $50.00 shipping.
Price: $3,150.00
Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .45-70 Government
Manufacturer: Springfield
Model: 1877
Serial Number: 75470
Manufacture Date: 1877