This is an attractive example of a rare all original U.S. Springfield Model 1873 Officer's Model Type I Trapdoor Rifle. In total there were approximately 477 Officer's Model rifles actually made between 1875 and 1885 with only 107 Type I rifles made. These rifles were a special order only by U.S. Calvary Officers directly from Springfield Armory with a few later sold on the commercial market. These were intended to be a sign of distinction and rank among Calvary Officers and are one the more highly sought after Trapdoor models. The unique characteristics of a Type I rifle are: 1) early lock plate marked "U.S." Springfield 1873" with fine engraving around the edges, 2) early style 1873 breechblock marked "Model/1873/Eagle Head proof/Crossed Arrows/U.S.", 3) rare early 1873 pattern rear sight that is marked "50-4" (50 to 400 yards) on the side of the base with the flat steps on top with the tangent leaf marked "5-12" (500-1200 yards) on the face, with the correct gold plated combination folding breech, blade and globe front sight, 4) early style Sharps tang mounted rear sight with the long oval base, 5) early style pewter nose cap with slightly longer finials with more detailed engraving, 6) no stock cartouche, 7) straight grip walnut stock without the detachable wooden pistol grip and 8) the stock wrist and forend has a heavier coarse checkered pattern. The rifle has a solid buttplate, carbine trigger guard with no sling swivel, two-click tumbler, set trigger, second pattern hammer with impressed knurling and "high arch" breechblock. The underside of the barrel has been fitted with a single ramrod thimble to support the cleaning rod. The left side of the barrel is correctly stamped with "V/P/Eagle Head/P" proof and inspection marks. There is an encircled script "P" firing proof stamped on the underside of the stock behind the trigger guard finial. A previous owner has carved their initials: "DC" on the side of the left stock wrist. The hickory cleaning rod has a silver plated brass tip and rear wiper.

Very good plus overall with traces of the blue finish remaining mostly in the protected areas with the balance of the barrel turning a gray/brown patina. The receiver, lock plate and breech plug have turned a silver color with 10% of the case colors present mostly on the underside of the parts in the protected areas. The stock is also in fine plus condition with a nice original dark brown walnut color overall with minor handling marks and light scratches on the sides. The checkering is in very good condition with nice distinct pattern showing light wear across the top. A really nice example of an early Type I, Springfield Officers Model Trapdoor Rifle.