Lot 2074

ANTIQUE U.S. SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1869 TRAPDOOR CADET .50-70 GOV'T RIFLE

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ANTIQUE U.S. SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1869 TRAPDOOR CADET .50-70 GOV'T RIFLE

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Current Bid: $80

(3 Bids)

by Bradford's
June 28, 2026 9:00 AM MST
Timed Auction
15210 N 99th Ave
Sun City, AZ, US 85351

Antique U.S. Springfield Model 1869 Trapdoor Cadet .50-70 Gov't Rifle. Serial no. 1286, of only 2400 built. Markings: The left side of the barrel and receiver are marked, “1286” The top of the trapdoor is marked, “1869 / Eagle head proof / US” The lock plate is marked, “1863 / U.S. SPRINGFIELD” The barrel bands are marked, “U”. The upper tang of the buttplate is marked "US". The right side of the barrel is marked "X". Sights: The front sight is a one-piece blade and barrel mounted base. The rear sight is a flip up sliding ladder sight with a V-notch. Stock Configuration: The wood stock has a endcap with two barrel bands, two through bolts, straight wrist, straight comb, with a steel semi-crescent buttplate. The U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Cadet 1863/1869 Conversion in .50-70 is a fascinating firearm that illustrates the transitional period in American military rifle development following the Civil War. This rifle represents an effort by the U.S. Army to update and repurpose existing muzzleloading rifles into more modern breechloading firearms, reflecting the rapid technological advancements in firearms during that era. The original Springfield Model 1863 was a muzzleloading rifle used extensively during the Civil War. It was a percussion cap rifle, loaded from the muzzle end with powder and ball, and was reliable but slow to load and fire. After the Civil War, the U.S. Army sought to modernize its arsenal without incurring the high costs of manufacturing entirely new firearms. The solution was to convert existing muzzleloaders into breechloaders, leading to the development of the “Trapdoor” mechanism. The Trapdoor mechanism, designed by Erskine S. Allin, was a significant innovation. It involved cutting away part of the barrel and fitting a hinged breechblock, or “trapdoor,” that could be opened to load a metallic cartridge. This conversion allowed for much faster loading and firing compared to the old muzzleloading system. The Springfield Model 1863 rifles were converted in this manner to create the Springfield Model 1866, which used a .50-70 Government cartridge. The .50-70 Government cartridge was a significant step forward in ammunition technology. It was a centerfire cartridge with a brass case, which improved reliability and ease of handling compared to the paper cartridges used in muzzleloaders. The .50-70 cartridge had a 450-grain bullet and was capable of decent accuracy and stopping power, making it suitable for military use. The Springfield Trapdoor Cadet 1863/1869 Conversion was a specialized variant designed for use by cadets at military academies. These cadet rifles were typically shorter and lighter than the standard infantry models, making them more manageable for younger and less experienced users. The conversions were done at the Springfield Armory and involved modifying surplus Model 1863 rifles to accept the new Trapdoor breechblock and chamber the .50-70 cartridge. The Springfield Trapdoor Cadet rifles saw extensive use in military academies and training facilities throughout the latter half of the 19th century. They provided a valuable training tool for cadets, who could learn the fundamentals of marksmanship and rifle handling with a weapon that was similar in operation to the standard issue arms of the time Serial Number: 1286 | Caliber / Gauge: .50-70 Gov't LOP: 13.5" | Working Order: Firearm has not been tested | Background Check: Not Required | Keywords: Firearms, Guns, Firearm; Ref: BD3301

  • Provenance: Includes ramrod.
  • Dimensions: 29.5" barrel
  • Circa: 1869
  • Condition: This rifle is in good condition with signs of wear commensurate with age and use. The beech block, hammer, sideplate, trapdoor, and trigger guard have been refinished. The barrel does appear to be coated in old lacquer. The stock has normal scratches and dents. The bore is bright and shiny with well defined rifling, very light freckling near the last few inches of the bore near the muzzle. The trapdoor does show some wiggle when closed. Please review the photos for details and condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

LOCAL PICK-UP INFORMATION:
Buyers can pick-up up their purchased lots locally at Bradford's Auction Gallery or have their items shipped. Local pick up is available upon payment of the invoice. There is no fee for local pickup however, storage fees may apply for items not picked up.

LOCATION: Bradford's Auction Gallery
HOURS: Monday - Friday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
ADDRESS: 15210 N 99th Ave Sun City, AZ 85351
CROSS STREET: (Located at the NW Corner of 99th Ave and Greenway Rd)

OUT OF TOWN SHIPPING INFORMATION:

JEWELRY & COINS:
Domestic Invoices that only contain jewelry or coins will be shipped in-house. Bradford's will ship jewelry and coins domestically via fedex and usps flat rate shipping. A minimum shipping charge of $25 will apply for any items shipped in-house. Any invoices that contain additional items would be turned over to a 3rd party shipper.

ARTWORK & OTHER ITEMS:
For out of town buyers, once we have received your payment your purchase can be be turned over to a 3rd party shipper. Bradford's will automatically release your lots to Westside Mail Center a local 3rd party shipper who specializes in shipping auction lots. Westside Mail Center will reach out to you to arrange packing, shipping and insurance. Please notify Bradford's immediately upon payment of your invoice if you prefer to ship with another 3rd party shipper other than Westside Mail Center.

They offer FedEx, DHL, UPS and USPS services for most parcels. For those larger items, Packing, Shipping, Crating & Freight services are available. For questions related to shipping please feel free to contact them directly for shipping questions or quotes.

Westside Mail Center
13794 W Waddell Rd Suite 203, Surprise, AZ 85379
Phone: 623-825-6016
Email: [email protected]
www.westsidemailcenter.com

SHIPPING TERMS
The winning bidder / buyer is solely responsible for the shipping. All fees and costs associated with shipping are separate from the hammer price (winning bid), buyer's premium and sales taxes. The winning bidder / buyer has the right to arrange their own shipping with a 3rd party shipper at their own expense if you prefer to use a shipper other than Westside Mail Center. All packing and shipping from any company besides Westside Mail Center must be arranged and coordinated by the winning bidder / buyer within 5 days from the date of the sale or an additional storage surcharge could apply. The cost of an item can affect the price of insurance, packaging materials and method of shipping however, shipping costs are based on size, weight, dimension, location, speed as well as other factors. Winning bidders / buyers are responsible for payment of auction invoices regardless of the cost of shipping as the winning bidder / buyer is solely responsible for the shipping and any costs associated. Sales are final and items cannot be returned to Bradford's or refunded due to shipping.

3RD PARTY SHIPPERS
Bradford's can assist the winning bidder / buyer by arranging shipping and insurance through a 3rd party shipper however, the buyer is responsible for obtaining quotes and scheduling pick-up. Bradford's Auction Gallery reserves the right to ship parcels via our own in-house shipping methods, based on actual weight or dimensional weight (whichever is greater).

Bradford's or the designated 3rd party shipper will ship to the address provided on the winning bidder / buyers invoice. It is the winning bidder / buyers responsibility to communicate with the shipper and provide any specific shipping requirements, address information or details that will ensure proper delivery. It is the buyers responsibility to verify and maintain update accurate shipping information including address within their bidding account.

The winning bidder is responsible for understanding the import fees and import laws of their respective province/state/country. It is also the bidder's responsibility to obtain any and all import documentation (import/export licenses, certificates or other documentation) prior to bidding.



LOCAL PICK UP - ARIZONA FIREARMS BUYERS
Arizona residents MUST pick-up in person at Bradford's Auction Gallery with a scheduled date of pick up. Details and information will be included on the winning bidders invoice. Any local Arizona Buyer of Post 1898 firearms MUST complete all necessary registration forms at Bradford's Auction Gallery. Local Buyers MUST have a Valid ARIZONA ID with Current Physical Address. If your Arizona ID does not reflect your current address you MUST provide us with a secondary form of ID that contains your correct address. Arizona Gun Dealers must have a signed copy of their Federal Firearms License in order to accept delivery of modern weapons. ANY DENIED BACKGROUND CHECK WILL RESULT IN A REFUND MINUS A 25% RESTOCKING FEE.

OUT OF TOWN SHIPPING FIREARMS BUYERS:
Shipping for Out-of-State Buyers must be done through our 3rd Party Shipper Westside Mail Center. All firearms Post 1898 must be shipped to a valid holder of a Federal Firearms License on ALL Modern Weapons. The full cost of shipping and packing will be at the winning bidders / buyers expense. It is your responsibility to provide Westside Mail Center with the FFL dealer of your choice and they are responsible for sending the 3rd party shipper a copy of their FFL information. FIREARMS UNABLE TO BE SHIPPED TO YOUR STATE WILL RESULT IN A REFUND MINUS A 25% RESTOCKING FEE AND SHIPPING COSTS IF APPLICABLE.

Bradford's

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $5
$100 $199 $10
$200 $999 $20
$1,000 $4,999 $50
$5,000 $9,999 $100
$10,000 + $200