Springfield Trapdoor question.

[SoCal Bob]

I am looking at a Springfield 1873 Trapdoor that is for sale locally but I have a few questions. The side plate only says Springfield, it does not have the eagle & shield or "U.S.". It has "model 1873" and a symbol like crossed swords on the breachblock, no serial number behind the breachblock and the butt plate is not stamped "U.S.".

Does this sound like a parts rifle or did Springfield make some like this?

[steamerjames]

Probably made from pieces sold as "Condemned" and assembly by Bannerman,this was a small scandel in the 1880's when Springfield armory found that there "out of spec" parts were used to make new rifles.Hundreds were made this,in fact Bannerman set up there own factory when the Gov't stopped selling parts.Big market for militaria schools, etc.However in the long run the people blamed Militarism for the World War, and put in gun control to make sure it wouldn't happen again,at least in England.Nationism was the real cause and gun control only made sure no one knew how to shoot for the next war.Polications were just as stupid in the 1920's as there is now.Gov'ts haven't learned a thing in 100 years.The only thing we learn is we never learn from history.Did the English really think the IRA would obey gun control laws? That's as stupid as it gets.

[highpower]

While mine is a later Trapdoor, The markings on it are typical of what would be on one. The sideplate is marked with the Eagle/Shield and U.S. over Springfield.


The breachblock on a 1873 Springfield will have Model/1873/Eagle/Crossed arrows.

Later model 1884 Springfields will not have the Eagle/Crossed arrows.



The serial number is on the receiver. All 1873 Trapdoor Springfields will have U.S. on the butt plate. If you are lucky you should be able to see an inspectors cartouche on the left side of the stock.

[SoCal Bob]

While mine is a later Trapdoor, The markings on it are typical of what would be on one. The sideplate is marked with the Eagle/Shield and U.S. over Springfield.

The breachblock on a 1873 Springfield will have Model/1873/Eagle/Crossed arrows.

Later model 1884 Springfields will not have the Eagle/Crossed arrows.

The serial number is on the receiver. All 1873 Trapdoor Springfields will have U.S. on the butt plate. If you are lucky you should be able to see an inspectors cartouche on the left side of the stock.

Thank you, This only has Springfield on the sideplate, does have those markings on the breachblock, does not have a serial number and does not have U.S. on the butt plate.

Also thanks to Steamerjames, Bannerman was what I had in mind when I mentioned it might be a parts gun.

[beerman]

Nice example Highpower,thanks for sharing.

[highpower]

You are quite welcome!