MODEL 1873 SPRINGFIELD TRAPDOOR RECEIVER SN 14824
– AN EARLY RECEIVER IN EXCELLENT CONDITION:
This early Model 1873 Springfield Trapdoor Receiver
bears a low, five-digit serial number - SN 14824 - which
indicates it was manufactured in 1874.
When a firearm was determined to be no longer
serviceable and it was slated for a surplus sale, the
arms were disassembled and sold as parts. The civilian
buyers then reassembled those parts into complete arms
which sold quite well on the retail market. For
whatever reason, this receiver was never incorporated
into a complete rifle, but it has survived in very nice
condition.
While I could not find any reference or listing for this
particular serial number, the closest SN to 14824 in the
Springfield Research Service listings I did find is SN
14806, listed as a Model 1873 Carbine which was
"surveyed" (condemned) at Ft. Keogh on January 29,
1878. This alone does not confirm or deny that SN 14824
was originally assembled as a carbine, however there
exists that possibility, and in either case 14824 is an
early, desirable serial number.
The block is full form in its original configuration
with no obvious signs of faults or flaws. The block
retains much of its original oil quenched finish and the
surfaces are very smooth with no significant pitting or
signs of other wear. The threads for the tang and for
the barrel are clear without any flaws. The serial
number is fully legible.
This receiver is a historic piece in its own right;
however it would also provide the basis for an
interesting and worthwhile restoration project. The
balance of the correct parts necessary to assemble this
receiver into a complete Trapdoor are available with
some searching, and there are parts dealers who can
assist you.
While there are those who would frown on such a project,
the bottom line is that many of the early Trapdoor arms
after service in the field were found to be
unserviceable and they suffered the same fate as did
14824 - parted out in surplus sales - and many of them
were reassembled by the civilian dealers of the time.
This is good opportunity to obtain an early production
Trapdoor receiver. (0203) $175
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