SPRINGFIELD, MA – One of the rarest U.S. military rifles ever made — missing for nearly 40 years — is now back in federal custody, after an FBI investigation led to its recent seizure from a private collector.
The rifle in question is a U.S. Springfield Model 1868 Trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine, serial number 1444. Only four of these prototype cavalry carbines were ever built by the Springfield Armory in 1869 and 1870 as the U.S. Army was looking for new post-Civil War weaponry. Two stayed in the armory’s collection, one landed at the Smithsonian, and the last was believed to be in private hands.
That missing fourth gun is now at the center of a civil forfeiture case filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts, which alleges the carbine was stolen from the Springfield Armory National Historic Site sometime before 1985 — and hidden away in collector circles ever since.
A Gun with Deep Roots in American History
Founded during the Revolutionary War, the Springfield Armory was personally commissioned by George Washington to arm the Continental Army. It later served as the U.S. military’s primary arsenal for nearly two centuries. The museum, run today by the National Park Service, houses a priceless collection of historic small arms, all considered government property.
According to federal filings, the missing carbine was noticed during an inventory check in 1985. Tips over the years hinted that it had passed through the hands of private collectors, including one man who, according to FBI agents, refused to cooperate with law enforcement. The serial number was reportedly defaced, and key parts of the gun were swapped out, likely to obscure its identity.
In 2021, a collector unknowingly bought the carbine for $5,000 and cooperated with federal investigators. The FBI used advanced forensic tools — including an electron scanning microscope — to analyze the obscured serial number and match the weapon to the missing artifact.
Why It Matters to Gun Owners
For pro-Second Amendment Americans, this story hits on multiple levels: a rare piece of gun history stolen, hidden, and finally recovered, not by sweeping surveillance or anti-gun tactics, but through good old-fashioned investigation and respect for historical value.
This isn’t the first time a relic has resurfaced. Just last year, federal authorities recovered a percussion cap pistol stolen from the museum in 1971 and two dozen marksmanship medals taken in the 1990s.
What’s Next?
The forfeiture case — now active in federal court — gives anyone with a legal claim to the firearm a chance to step forward. But unless someone can prove they’re the rightful owner, the gun will be permanently returned to the government’s collection.
The FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office haven’t charged anyone with a crime in this case yet, and officials say the investigation is ongoing.
Bottom line: One of the rarest U.S. military carbines ever made has come home — and the feds are making it clear that even decades-old thefts of historic guns won’t be left to collect dust.
Usa v. u.s. Springfield Model 1868 Style Trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine Bearing Serial Number 1444
it would be nice if they put the same effort into getting guns stolen from private parties returned to them
now if they could only find Sgt. Alvin York’s 1911, serial number 25468. if you have it, it is a priceless piece of history and a testament to a truly great man.
Many old service arms are out there,owned by honest folks that paid good money for them.VFW,American Legion posts have closed and many never got returned and changed hands since. Know of one M14(yes,M14) bought from the widow of a long time NG member(unknowingly,full auto parts not present).Made aware of what he had,he went to ATF and they actually worked with him. He bought a commercial semi receiver and the ATF got a licensed MG maker swap it out(at his expense,but it was reasonable).
Paid for by The People, let it stay in the hands of The People! But the state MUST have the monopoly. What did George Washington do when they came for the guns?
First it said to be in Private hands. And then we’re told it was stolen from Springfield Armory. So which is it ?