According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms only 1,008 Trapdoor rifles were equipped with this device, most of which were destroyed after testing. Close examination of the recess in the stock, under the device, discloses a patina consistent with the condition of the lockplate cutout. Many of those surplus devices later appeared on the market retroactively installed on rifles which is not the case here. After the test trials in 1876 it appears that most of the special Metcalfe parts were removed and either destroyed or disposed of as surplus. Henry Metcalfe between 1873 & 1876, he produced 100 of the devices for the Model 1870 rifles and 1,008 for the Model 1873 rifles. This device utilizes a pre-loaded 8 or 10-rd wooden block which is secured by a small lever on the base of the device giving the shooter access to the cartridges for quick reloading. Right side of the stock, forward of the lockplate, has the Metcalfe cartridge block bracket inletted into the wood. Breech block has the standard “MODEL / 1873 / eagle head / US” markings and the lockplate has the standard “1873” dated marking. ![]() Top front of the receiver is stamped “MASS”. ![]() Usual configuration with 32-5/8″ bbl, barleycorn front sight/bayonet lug and 1,200 yard musket rear sight. RARE SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1873 TRAPDOOR RIFLE WITH METCALFE EXPERIMENTAL CARTRIDGE BLOCK ATTACHMENT.
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