Original U.S. Early Springfield Trapdoor M1873 Rifle made in 1874 with 2 Notch Tumbler & Long Wrist - Serial No 31565 MG 42 Mounts The serial number 8544 is

The serial number 8544 is present on the bottom of the flat grip frame

The shotgun comes complete with its original brass tipped wood ramrod that retains its brass mounting to rear for the attachment of wire brushes and cleaning jags

The lower cover plate of the head was solid with stamped threads set in a well that would accept the handle

All skins and rope are good working order

the Army had married a battalion of tanks to a battalion of infantry in support of the tanks

Original U.S. Early Springfield Trapdoor M1873 Rifle made in 1874 with 2 Notch Tumbler & Long Wrist - Serial No 31565 MG 42 Mounts The serial number 8544 isOriginal Item: Only One available. This is a VERY early example of the classic Springfield trapdoor rifle, with some features that were removed in the subsequent years. The most noticeable of these are the early 1st pattern "stepped" rear sight and "long wrist" on the stock. This is the weapon used, in its carbine form, by the troopers of the 7th Cavalry that met their fate at the Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876. The breech block is marked: MODEL