Harrington & Richardson H&R 1873 Cavalry Rifle .45-70 Govt, 1971-1972 C&R
SOLD FOR: $875
WOA#: WY240129AC001
Make: Harrington & Richardson, Inc.
Model: U.S. Model 1873 Cavalry Reproduction
Serial Number: 1077
Year of Manufacture: 1972-1973
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Single Shot Trapdoor Rifle
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “U. S. MODEL 1873 / CAL. 45-70 GOVT” and “P”. The right side of the barrel is marked “HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON, INC. / WORCESTER, MASS. MADE IN U.S.A.”. The left side of the receiver is marked “H&R”, and the right is marked “SER. NO. 1077”. The lock plate is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD”. There is a cartouche on the underside of the grip. Fine engraving is featured on the metal parts, excluding the barrel.
Barrel Length: 26”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded post dovetailed into the barrel. The standard rear sight is a flip up tang mounted adjustable peep-sight.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece select hand-checkered walnut with cleaning rod, forend cap, straight grip, straight comb and a steel buttplate. The forend is held with a steel barrel band. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stock rates in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued with Case Color Lock Plate, Breechblock, and Buttplate.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The case color is still rather strong. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent condition and appears unfired.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has quarter and half-cock safety positions. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This rifle comes with its factory box and gun sleeve.
Our Assessment: The Model 1873 “Trapdoor” Springfield was the first standard-issue breech-loading rifle adopted by the United States Army and was one of the main service rifles of the U.S. Military until it was gradually replaced by the Springfield Model 1892 bolt-action rifle. This reproduction hails from the early 70s and is a reproduction of the cavalry rifle of the time. A reproduction such as this allows us to see these rifles as they likely appeared when they were new, which is a rare sight; most Trapdoor rifles have some measure of wear, most of it heavy. There were relatively few of these made, and the low serial number is a boon. So do not miss out on a chance to own a classic, fascinating rifle! Good luck and happy bidding! – L.S.
