Description
USA Indian Wars M1873 Entrenching Tool made by Springfield Armory, original leather-covered scabbard with a scabbard ring included. Excellent overall condition, considering the age.
The awkward Model 1873 tool/knife was intended for digging shallow trenches/scraping up small protective mounds during skirmishes; a sharp edge could be utilized for cutting and slicing. The M1873 was designed to be used by the US Cavalry, hence the large iron scabbard ring for the saddle mount. It’s considered to be the first personal edged weapon manufactured by the Springfield Armory, aside from the “long” weapons. The M1873 wasn’t popular with mounted troops – it was just too small of a digging tool and too awkward and impractical as a knife. In a couple of years it was replaced by the more successful M1880 military Hunting Knife. A lot of M1873s were simply discarded; the rest were used as intended. Finding a specimen in practically unused condition is quite difficult these days. Only a couple of thousands of these entrenching tools were manufactured, making it one of the most scarce and though-after Americana collectibles.
This M1873 Entrenching Tool is about is 13” / 33 cm overall; the blade is about 8-1/8” / 20.8 cm long and 3-1/2” / 9 cm wide; cutting edge is pretty sharp still. There is no major pitting or bumps on the blade; a few tiny edge nicks from regular use are noted for accuracy; this type is VERY rare this nice. The blade has not been re-sharpened. Lathe-turned oak wood handle is tight with play. Wood handle is stamped US at the base. No large chips or cracks on the the wood; no contact marks on the pommel – VERY rare this nice. This M1873 tool is in great overall shape, considering its age.
Original US-stamped scabbard is excellent, considering the age; a few minor abrasion spots on the leather along the ridges. Leather over brass interior construction; the stitching is intact – the leather is in much better than average condition for the type. Brass throat with copper rivets is near-excellent without the typical dings or nicks; the front side is stamped with letters US and number 10 arsenal acceptance mark near the throat. Overall, this M1873 set is well-above the average condition for this type. USA Indian Wars M1873 Entrenching Tool was the first American standard entrenching equipment to be issued to the American troops – this is a classic Americana and early US militaria collectible. Don’t miss your chance to add this great-looking specimen to your collection!
This original USA Indian Wars M1873 Entrenching Tool has not been cleaned or tampered with in any way, it is in 100% original “as is” condition; these are the actual photos. I have several American Civil War era fighting knives and daggers, as well as some scarce WW1 and WW2 fighting daggers and trench knives available for sale – please take a look in our Militaria section.
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USPS PRIORITY MAIL SHIPPING WITHIN THE U.S. WITH SIGN-FORE DELIVERY CONFIRMATION WILL BE $15.75 FOR THIS ITEM
International shipping for this item will be $55 and up to most countries on our “ship-to” list.
