A good early example of an early Indian Wars era Springfield Model 1877 Trapdoor Carbine as used almost exclusively by the US Cavalry in the West.  These really saw some hard use during the 1870-1880's and today, its a bit of challenge for collectors to located a pure early example that have never been upgraded or rebuilt by the military or Bannerman's.  If the years of wear and tear out on the frontier wasn't enough, re-issues to Nat'l Guard Units and the Spanish American War in 1898 consumed what was left of these early trapdoors.  

For a Cavalry weapon of that era...this one is a little better than most we've seen...the wood isn't trashed, although lightly refinished,.and it still bears a Very Good original 1877-Dated early type Oval cartouche by Master Armorer at the Springfield Armory, Mr. Erskine S. Allin.  On carbines, these cartouches are rarely visible due to the proximity of the saddle bar and ring.  The early oval ESA cartouche w/date was used for only a short period before  Allin died in 1879.  The fact this carbine still has its original ESA cartouche with no later over-stamps gives us a pretty good clue that  this carbine was never rebuilt and proofed by a later inspector.  The serial number is in the 76,000 range.  This dates its manufacture to the Spring of 1877...when the Springfield Armory built a brand new batch of almost 2500 Model 1877 Carbines.  Believe it or not, at that time, these new and improved Model 1877's were the first group of carbines produced since the 1876 Defeat of Custer's 7th Cavalry at Little Big Horn...a battle in which the Model 1873 trapdoor carbines and Gov't issued 45-70  ammunition had performed quite poorly. 

Overall condition grades to NRA Antique Good+.  Metal is mostly a smooth gray patina with decent markings.  Barrel marked "VP with an Eagle and small letter "P".  Breech marked "Model 1873".  Lock has Eagle and marked "US Springfield 1873".  Very good cartouche that's still 100% legible. Top of buttplate is also marked "US".   Still has its original saddle bar, saddle ring, and stacking swivel located on the front barrel band.  and correct Model 1877 Carbine sight.  Buttstock has the trapdoor for the cleaning rods....in which a set of  repros are present along with the case extractor.  Wood has been lightly cleaned and refinished but has respectable wood to metal fit.  A couple of small hairline cracks are present but wood is solid overall.  Action and lock work well...breech block is a little loose but still works properly.  Bore is So-so...original rifling is intact but worn with some spots of pitting.  A scarce and historical weapon of the early US Cavalry.

Item# 1036

SOLD