Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1884 / 1888 Round Rod Bayonet Rifle Made in 1892 - Serial 552573

Original Item: Only One available. The U.S. breech loading Springfield "trapdoor" rifle was introduced in 1873 in .45-70 caliber. Basically it was the rifle the U.S. Army used to open the West and Springfield trapdoor carbines were used by Custer's Cavalry at the massacre at The Little Big Horn. This example has the breech block marking:

U.S.
MODEL
1884

In 1884 the integral Round Rod Bayonet was introduced, which could double as a cleaning rod, a development that met with very limited success. It was finally replaced in 1892 with the .30-40 caliber Krag bolt action magazine rifle.

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 1884 rifles.

The Model 1884 round rod bayonet rifle was Springfield's third attempt at a rod bayonet system on a trapdoor rifle. They had used the triangular rod system on the Model 1880 and some Model 1882 rifles. The Model 1884 RRB rifle utilized a different, but no more reliable mechanism for retaining the rod. Because the small locking "fingers" are not clearly visible, the gun has been nicknamed "flatlatch."

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber. The serial number is #552573, which indicates production in approximately October 1892, per U.S. Government records. This technically makes it a model 1888 according to some sources. This rifle has all of the gradual "updates" that were made to the original design. The left side of the stock bears a faint "boxed" government inspector SWP / 1892 cartouche, indicating stock inspection in the same year. The metalwork on the rifle shows years of cleaning, with the original blued finish now worn to a mottled gray steel patina, with past peppering in areas, with just a bit of cleaned away rust pitting. It looks like a rifle that saw long service and was cleaned repeatedly over the years.

The bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish and clear lands and grooves. There is a bit of wear to the lands, as well as some past fouling and oxidation in the grooves, now removed. It did see service, but was well cared for and cleaned. We would rate it at approximately 8 out of 10. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. The breech block opens correctly, locking closed when shut, and the cartridge extractor and ejector are present and fully functional, however we cannot guarantee they will work on actual brass. The cleaning rod / bayonet is functional, with a worn finish and intact threads on the end, and the locking mechanism by the muzzle is fully functional.

The stock is in very good service used condition, and is still partially proud over the lock plate, indicating that it has not been arsenal reconditioned over the years, though it definitely has worn down a bit in areas due to use and cleaning. It displays the lovely red-brown color of aged and oiled walnut, only achieved after decades, and shows some lovely grain. There is wear to the surface, including numerous scratches, dents, dings, and the like. Another nice feature on this example is the butt stock tool compartment, which is covered by a rotating door on the butt plate. This was used to store the take down tool and stuck cartridge extractor. Unfortunately this compartment is empty, as we often see, and is also very difficult to move, requiring use of a rubber mallet.

The both barrel bands are U marked, and the butt plate tang is marked with the correct U.S. stamp. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, Buffington sight, sliding ramrod bayonet. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts. The Buffington rear sight is present and intact, with fully functional windage and range adjustments, though they are very stiff.

The elegant script SWP belongs to Samuel W. Porter, who was the Master Armorer and Chief Inspector of Springfield Armory from 15 September 1879 to 18 June 1894. A 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 A on top; and 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 R to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.

A great chance to pickup a very nice example of the United States last single shot rifle, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1892
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.