Early Springfield US Model 1873 Trapdoor Rifle

Serial #19858, .45-70 Gov’t., 32 1/2" barrel with an excellent, bright bore.  This is a very handsome ‘73 Trapdoor that has 92-95% arsenal-applied blue on the barrel and receiver, with some mild silvering at the muzzle, as well as on the high edges and projections.  The barrel itself has later production large "VP" and eaglehead proof, a "C" condemned mark, and the high arch breechblock retains the post-1877, bright water-quenched color case-hardening.  The stock is an unmodified, original 1873 "long wrist" stock with correct "ESA" cartouche, and no compartment at the butt under the steel buttplate.  Both correct early rear sight and ramrod are also included, and a large rack number is present on the comb just ahead of the buttplate tang.  This is a great looking .45-70 Trapdoor, in fine condition, and was most likely assembled from a mixture of early and transitional Model 1873 parts.  It would make a wonderful addition to any collection.  Antique