The United States Attorney’s Office has filed a civil forfeiture action regarding a historic firearm, a U.S. Springfield Model 1868 Style Trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine, identified by serial number 1444. This firearm is suspected of being unlawfully removed from the Springfield Armory, a National Historic site, several decades ago.
The Springfield Armory, located in Springfield, Massachusetts, is managed by the National Park Service and houses a collection of artifacts that belong to the U.S. government. This particular model of carbine was produced at the request of the Army in the late 1860s but never went into full production. Records indicate that only four of these carbines were created; the armory originally held two, including the subject of this forfeiture action. The Smithsonian Institution holds one, while another is believed to be in private possession.
In 1985, one of the carbines at the armory was reported missing. Information suggested over the years that private collectors might possess the missing firearm. In 2023, federal law enforcement initiated an investigation, culminating in the seizure of a carbine now involved in the civil forfeiture action. Analysis suggested attempts had been made to erase identifying marks, but evidence supports it being the stolen artifact from the Springfield Armory.
The Springfield Armory has historical importance, established as a federal arsenal in 1777 during the Revolutionary War. Although under the Army's control until the early 1970s, it now operates as a museum and a national historic site.
Under federal law, it is illegal to convert, sell, or dispose of government property without authorization. Civil forfeiture allows third-party claims to the property, which must be resolved before the property can be officially forfeited and potentially returned to the original owner.
The announcement of the civil forfeiture action was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and James Crowley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Boston Division, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol E. Head is prosecuting the case as Chief of the Asset Recovery Unit. The complaint outlines allegations that the United States must prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, to support the forfeiture.