Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor M1884 Saddle Ring Carbine Made in 1887 with Leather Boot Scabbard, Swivel Hook, and Cleaning Rod - Serial 377870

Original Item: Only One available. This is a lovely example of the classic Springfield trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine, the weapon used by the troopers of the 7th Cavalry that met their fate at the Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876. The breech block is marked:

U.S.
MODEL
1884

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor carbine in .45-70 government caliber, fitted with the correct Buffington rear sight. It comes with its original Saddle Ring and Bar on the left hand side of the wood stock, as well as some fantastic accessories that we rarely see! It still retains the original three piece cleaning rod in the butt trap, and comes with an original M1886 leather "boot" scabbard, as well as a carbine "swivel hook", which originally would have been attached to a body sling on the trooper. This way, if the carbine was dropped, it could easily be retrieved. We almost never have great sets like this!

The carbine bears Serial Number # 377870 on the rear of the receiver, which indicates production in approximately October 1887, per U.S. Government records. The stock looks to have been reconditioned at arsenal, which has unfortunately removed the original inspection cartouches, though there are still remnants of a number 20 on the spine and both sides of the butt stock, and also 15 stamped on the butt plate tang. Definitely an interesting example with some great accessories and a long history!

The carbine looks to have seen a good amount of service, based on the condition of the metalwork. The stock is in lovely condition, having been reconditioned at arsenal, so the lock plate is now fully above the level of the stock. We cannot see any major damage or repairs, and it has a lovely light brown color now. The bore is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is wear to the lands, and we can see some evidence of past fouling and oxidation, now cleaned away. We would probably rate this about a 7-8 out of 10. The breech block moves correctly, and the extractor is still present and functional along with the ejector, though we have not tested it with real brass. It has the correct butt stock storage compartment for the cleaning rod, and in this case it actually has the complete 3 piece cleaning rod and ruptured shell extractor. The rod screws together correctly, and the door on the butt plate is easy to open.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and the front band is U marked. The metalwork is in really nice condition, without any major oxidation issues, showing a lovely aged patina from decades of cleaning. It has a lovely honest worn look to it, with an oxidized gray patina on the lock, receiver, and breech block. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and carbine Buffington sight, which easily adjusts for range, though the windage is stiff, and the limit pin on the leaf is missing, so it can be removed easily. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts. Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel, which are still mostly clear: a V over a P over an Eagle's head over another P on the left side just above the stock. The upper right corner of the Buffington sight leaf is marked C to indicate that the sight graduations are for a carbine and not a rifle.

The included sling leather boot and sling swivel hook are in very good shape considering the age. We are fairly sure that the swivel hook is period, as the construction is far more robust than any replicas we have seen on the market. The boot shows the expected wear and degradation from use and age, with the finish showing cracking and flaking in areas. It still retains the two leather straps around it that can be used to attach to the tack on a horse, however they are definitely in delicate condition, and can no longer be unbuckled. The long strap on the back is also broken off through the first eyelet (there should be three). Still, it fits the carbine well, and presents beautifully!

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a lovely example of a legendary U.S. issue firearm with some exceedingly hard to find period accessories! Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1887
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Overall Length: 41 Inches
Action type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.
Feed System: Single Shot

NOTE: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.