1881 “Star” Serial Numbered Springfield Carbine

1881 “Star” Serial Numbered Springfield Carbine.  This carbine is the model 1879, showing the 1877 improvements of shortened and thicker wrist, butt trap door for 3 piece cleaning rod and combo tool, and upgraded 1879 rear sight. Many of the 1879 had the new breech blocks without the high arch, but the early1879s, and 1881s retained the 1873 blocks.

This stock has the 1881 date, and as most of these starred serial numbered carbines, they fall in the 120,000-180,000 serial number range. The star notation on the breech blocks were produced during the 1881-82 period, and it is believed that those weapons with the star indicated mostly repaired and or assembled carbines from spare parts in this time frame.

The star serial numbered carbines have a following for Trapdoor collectors, simply for the star designation being a rather scarcer variety of Springfield produced carbines (and rifles).

The carbine is in very good -fine condition with good blue and case colors overall, (see photos). The stock shows scratching, and a few bigger dings overall and these areas were photographed for your viewing as well. An excellent bore, and mechanically sound.

A nice Trapdoor 1881 carbine.