Springfield Armory Model 1873 Carbine Serial Number 20775

Springfield Armory Model 1873 Carbine Serial Number 20775

Brand: Springfield Armory
Product Code: SA1873Carbine
Availability:
Out Of Stock
Price: $0.00
Description

Springfield Armory Model 1873 Carbine

Serial Number 20775

.45 / 55

SOLD - $2995

This carbine was made between April and June of 1874.  It is in original configuration with all the correct features.  It does not have later upgrades and modifications.  One noteworthy feature is the absence of a stacking swivel.  Stacking swivels were added about the same time this carbine was made, between serial numbers 20,000 and 21,000. 

The breech block assembly is nice and tight and functions properly.  The breech block and lock assembly are both properly marked for this serial number range.  The tumbler has two notches that were used until about serial number 28,000 when they were changed to three.  The breech block contains a spring loaded firing pin.  The breach block latch has the proper firing pin relief U shaped cut.

The bore shows light pitting and frost its entire length.  The witness marks on the barrel and receiver are in perfect alignment. 

The stock shows extensive wear due to heavy use in the saddle.  This is most evident rear of the sling ring bar from the snap swivel of the sling and another area forward of the lock plate from saddle pommel and boot ware.  There is also a lot of wear in the barrel band area.  The stock had several cracks that have been repaired.  There are also some drying cracks under the butt plate around the lower screw hole but are not significant.  The rear trigger plate screw hole as well as the lower butt plate screw hole were stripped out and have been repaired.  There is a chip of wood missing in the breech block latch recess.  There are many scratches and dents throughout.  The cartouche as well as the firing proof are worn away.  A stock fitter’s mark is visible and appears to be an O or D.

Published Dimensional data:                                                  This carbine

Overall length                         41.30”                                     41 3/8”

Barrel length                           22.00”                                     21 15/16”

Barrel diameter at breech        1.045”                                     1.045”

Barrel diameter at muzzle       .730”                                       .730”

Sight stud from muzzle           .815”                                       .731

Front blade height                   .673” above C.L.                     .670”

Front blade above barrel         .265”                                       .307”

Stock length                            29.80”                                     29 7/8”

Comb length                           9.25”                                       9.25”

Firing pin tunnel rim               .090”                                       .097”

Tunnel rim to base                  .515”                                       .467”

Top of receiver to barrel         .130”                                       .132”

Receiver width at hinge          1.076”                                     1.065”

Extractor lug height                .050”                                       .063”

Hinge pin length                     1.175”                                     1.139”

Barrel band U height              .080”                                       .080”

Sear nose                                 .030”                                       .030”

Sling bar                                  3.0” x .194” diameter              3.0” x .195”

Sling ring                                .165” in diameter                    .177”

Hammer knurl                         8 diamonds on center line       8

Weight                                    7.90 lb.                                    7 lbs. 0 ozs.

Head space      Go = .070”   No Go = .075”               .077”

Various markings:

Bottom of receiver                  F

Lock plate                               A, T and three not legible

Hammer                                  S

Trigger plate                           A

Trigger                                                 3

Firing pin                                M or W

Bridle                                      J

Sear                                         3

Main spring                             base end 16, hook end 8

The carbine came with paper work in which the previous owner (Lewis Wagner of Tucson, AZ) put together while trying to research its history.  There is no proof but the consensus is that it was most likely used by the 10th Cavalry at Fort Concho in western Texas.

This carbines serial number was researched by the U.S. Martial Arms Collector in Cabin John, MD with no results.  They were glad to have the information of the carbines existence.

Quote from Author Dick Hosmer

"Here is an excerpt (relating to carbine production in general) from the "Custer carbine" appendix from my forthcoming book:

"Group number one: From 1 to roughly 4500. These represent the 4,064 carbines produced during the 4th quarter of 1873, and the 1st quarter of 1874. Given the large gap in recorded numbers before the next concentrated group, it seems likely that they were made in one fairly continuous run, though there are a few sporadic occurrences of rifles in the records of this group. Priority had been given to carbine production, in order to replace the mix of such weapons (Sharps, Spencer, Starr, and others) in the field, there having been no standard carbine adopted to that point. While #1210 was at the LBH battle, as proven by fired cases, it was apparently carried by an Indian.

It is very important to be aware that NO number associated with 7th Cavalry issuance has yet been found in this first group.

Group number two: Between roughly 14,500 and 23,500, with distinct peaks around 16,500 and 21,500. These would correspond to the 8749 carbines recorded as being produced during the 2nd and 4th quarters of 1874. This, due to the non-consecutive quarters represented, may be the lot most affected by the sampling level, as there are definite ‘low points’ at both ends of the proposed range.

Group number three: From roughly 32,000 to 48,500 with a number of modest peaks scattered throughout the range. These numbers include the 7211 carbines produced during the 1st quarter of 1875. The larger span indicates either an anomaly in survival rate of recorded data, or the unlikely (since SA preferred to assemble like arms in sizable batches) possibility that rifle and carbine production was "intermixed" to a greater extent than during the former runs."