Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873/84 Rifle Made in 1883 with Standard Cleaning Rod and Sight Hood - Serial 224548

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

U.S.
MODEL
1884

Model 1884 rifles saw service in the Spanish American War. The regular army was issued the new Krag rifles and the guard units received the trapdoor. There are a number of stereopticon pictures that show guard units armed with of 1884 rifles.

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 224548, which indicates production in approximately November 1883, per U.S. Government records. The stock is a bit worn down from use and possible arsenal reconditioning, so unfortunately the original inspection cartouche is completely worn away. The rifle is a transitional model between the Model 1873 and Model 1884, as it has the "1884" marking on the breech block, and is also equipped with the serrated trigger of that model.  However, it still has a standard Model 1879 rear ladder sight installed, and the stock is in the 1873 configuration, with the standard ramrod and two part trigger guard, which could happen normally during the transitional period. It was not later updated with a Buffington sight, and has the correct lower barrel band without an inlet.

The stock is in very good original condition, with lots of character and a great red-brown color showing lovely grain. It does show denting, scratches, and some small gouges, as expected on a rifle that saw real service. The stock is still mostly proud over the level of the lock plate, indicating that it has not been worn down much over the years, something we rarely see! There are some chunks missing on either side of the receiver tang, a very common place to see these due to the recoil force.

The bore is in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is just a bit of wear and past fouling keeping this barrel from being "MINT", so it was definitely used very little and well cared for. We would rate it a 9.5 out of 10. The extractor is still present and functional along with the ejector, though we have not tested the action with real brass. The model 1879 rear sight works well, and has all the internal springs present as far as we can see, though it is definitely quite stiff and probably could use some adjustment, as the ladder is rubbing against the right side ramp.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. The blued metal finish is still well retained on the barrel, though there is rust peppering present as well, particularly near the muzzle near where the sight hood is present. The receiver and lock plate actually still show some of the original case colored finish, with wear on the edges. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, standard model 1879 sliding sight, and standard cleaning rod. Lock is marked with a Federal Eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, indicating that it was manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts. The sling swivels still move correctly, and the cleaning rod is in very good shape, still retaining the cleaning jag on the narrow end.

The VERY FAINT stylized P in a circle under the wrist of the stock indicates that the rifle passed all of its overpressure proof testing. Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a capital R on top; 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 standard M1879 sliding sight leaf and the left side of the ramp are marked R to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.

This is an great opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a classic U.S. issue firearm, in very nice honest used condition. Ready to display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1883
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 Inches
Overall Length: 52 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.