The FBI has successfully seized a rare 1868 Model trapdoor carbine, one of only four manufactured at the historic Springfield Armory, after determining it was stolen property. The rifle, which disappeared during a 1985 inventory, surfaced in 2021 when it was sold to a collector for $5,000, and the FBI has since traced its complex history involving previous stolen reports and alterations to its serial number.
This model of carbine was intended for the U.S. Cavalry in the years following the Civil War, making its recovery a notable event for military historians. The firearm’s journey includes failed recovery attempts in 2015 and detailed examinations to restore its original identity—factors that highlight the challenges of reclaiming significant artifacts.
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