1873 Trapdoor rifle
I have a 1873 Springfield trapdoor cadet rifle SN# 19508 I have measured it to all known specifications and find it to be a true Cadet rifle made in 1873. I have also found that 1 rifle was sent to West point in 1873 as a trial. I believe this rifle may be the first Cadet rifle sent to West Point. I need to verify the information. I have written to West Point and several 'experts" who won't even give me the courtesy of a reply. Not even the NRA Rifleman could tell me. I included a stamped envelope and still nothing. Can anybody tell me about this rifle and it's value? I bought it 20 years ago from a guy who said his great granfather got it at a military school.
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for your help.
0
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The serial number list from Dixie Arms catalog shows the first cadet rifle & the only one that year was made in 1874. The serial number range was from 10,873 to 35,218. This would seem to mean you may just have what you think you have. (Be happy to trade you my 1873 carbine straight up.) If this is that rifle there is no way to give a value for such an item but it would be substancial.
Note: Before you start looking for a new house you will have to confirm it. There is always the possibility that the gun was rebuilt
using cadet parts with an old reciever.
Edited by - gruntled on 10/14/2002 18:14:350 -
I don't know how much you know about Trapdoor Springfields, so here are some things to look for. The good news is that your rifle falls into the right serial number range. Because of the way the fiscal year was figured at that time (July 4th to July 4th)there were no Model 1873's produced until fiscal year 1874. As I think you have found out, Cadet rifles have 29-1/2 inch barrels. They do not have sling swivels only a stacking swivel on the front band. Stocks made before 1877 are called the long wrist stocks i.e. the distance from the barrel tang to the comb of the stock is about 1/3 longer then in later stocks. The wrist of the stock is also thinner then in later stocks. The breach block would be of the high arch type and should be marked Model 1873 over an eagle head over crossed arrows over US. The lockplate should be marked US/SPRINGFIELD/1873. The lockplate should be without a bevel to the edges and fit flush with the wood. The lock should be of the two click type and the trigger should be smooth. The barrel should not have any proof markes on it. Proof marks began after serial number 50,000. Rear sight should be of the flat type with a steped base, not the curved base of later sights, also the sight screws should not have slots in the heads. If possible, try a trapdoor bayonet on your rifle. If it is a cut down rifle the bayonet will not fit as the barrel will be to large in diameter. Between 1874 and 1877 about 3,000 Cadet rifles were bult. If you can not get any answer from West Point,in fact they may not know, try Springfield Armory which now belongs to the National Park Service. I have done some research there on early muskets and find the staff quite knowledgeable. If indeed you do have the first Cadet you will need unshakeable proof such as a signed and sealed letter from some recognized historic authority. Best of luck in your quest. Scout 0 -
Thanks for the info! Do you have the address for Springfield? Name of any contacts?
Thanks again,
Rubberman0 -
Sorry to take so long to answer your question, but the addresses that you wanted were not right at my fingertips and I had to dig through my papers to find them. Anyway, here they are: Director, Eastern National Park and Monument Association, Springfield Armory, Springfield MA, 01104. Also try Springfield Research Service, PO Box 4181 Silver Spring, MD 20904. Best of luck Scout 0
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