This 5th revised and expanded edition provides a part-by-part review of all models of the Springfield .45-70 Trapdoor rifle, carbine and cadet rifle. Three new chapters have been added to this edition: Officer's Model Rifles, Experimental (26-inch) Carbine, and Fencing Muskets. Every part from buttplate to front sight of every model is discussed in terms of dimensions, use, markings, finish and changes to that part by serial number range. A new serial number list is included with serial number ranges listed by production years. This new list includes serial numbers not previously included by other authors.
This book makes it possible for the collector to determine whether or not a particular rifle, carbine or cadet rifle is original as manufactured. The collector must keep in mind that not only was the .45-70 Springfield Trapdoor used by the Army, but also by the Navy, Marines, National Guard and various state militias from 1873 to well into the 20th Century. The trapdoor was still being issued as late as World War I to militia units for guard duty.
During this more than forty-year period of service, the trapdoor went through several model changes and even more frequent parts upgrades. So a rifle manufactured in 1879 may have undergone as many as twenty parts changes by 1889, all of which are considered valid, original manufacturing changes. The problem the collector, museum director, gunsmith, author and shooter faces is determining which changes were made officially by the Ordnance Department while in service and which were made by surplus dealers, resellers and previous non-military owners.
"The .45-70 Springfield" provides answers to all these questions and more. With this book in hand, it is possible to assess every part and using the serial number stamped on the receiver, determine first in what year the arm was manufactured, then on a part-by-part basis, decide whether or not each part is the correct and original part for that arm. If some parts are found to have been manufactured later, then the book will tell you whether or not those parts were installed by military armorers according to regulation.
Why is this important? First, the .45-70 Springfield is a tangible piece of the history of our nation. And as such, it deserves to be correct. Secondly, the .45-70 Springfield's value depends in large part on how original it is. Parts that are incorrect can be replaced, returning the arm to both its historical and economic value. The book also provides a historical overview of the .45-70's development and use during the latter part of the 19th Century and into the 20th. Also included are assembly/disassembly instructions, cleaning and maintenance, glossary and bibliography.
