SOLD - Excellent Springfield M1873 Cavalry Carbine

Description

3/29/22 - This is an excellent example of a Springfield Model 1873 Cavalry Carbine issued to the US military in 1881. The Springfield Model 1873 was the Army’s standard issue rifle during the Indian Wars of the 1870s and 1880s. The rifle also saw service in the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection. Today, it is a favorite weapon of gun collectors. They then developed the carbine version of the 1873 rifle. The M1873 performed well in combat, and a cavalryman described it as a weapon that “would shoot and kick hard, carrying up to 500 yards very well.” While it was an effective weapon, the M1873 had a powerful recoil, and many soldiers who used it would claim that the rifle could knock down two men with each shot—the man it hit and the man who fired it. This one has the proper "US" markings on the lock and butt plate. It also has the proper "V", "P", and "Eagle Head" proofs on the barrel. No visible markings on the stock. Overall, the gun is in excellent condition. The metal parts have retained most of their bluing with minor wear around the muzzle and some light freckling along the barrel and on the trigger guard. Some light spotty discoloration around the breech and on the hammer. Excellent stock that was likely sanded. The bore has decent rifling, but there is spotty oxidation throughout and some areas of pitting.