Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1884 Rifle Converted to Saddle Ring Carbine with Figured Stock Made in 1885 - Serial 276430

Original Item: Only One available. Here we have what is a very interesting example of a Springfield trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine, which actually started its life as a Model 1884 RIFLE! It was later modified by having the barrel cut down to carbine length and re-crowned, while the stock was cut down and re-profiled the carbine style, and even had a saddle ring bar added to the left-hand side of the rifle. The crowning on the end of the barrel and the skill with which the cleaning rod channel is plugged leads us to believe this could have been an arsenal level modification, possibly for a rifle that suffered damage to the end of the barrel. At the national and state arsenals little was put to waste, so parts that were still in spec were very often repurposed to fit current needs. Definitely some interesting research possibilities for this carbine!

The Springfield trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine was 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 was is marked:

U.S.
MODEL
1873

We also have noted that it is an early "High Arch" type of breech block, so this carbine was definitely made using arsenal spares, as the high arch was discontinued long before the receiver and barrel were made.

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor converted carbine in .45-70 government caliber, retrofitted with the correct carbine graduated Model 1879 adjustable rear ladder sight. It also comes with the retrofitted Saddle Ring and Bar on the left hand side of the wood stock. The carbine bears Serial # 276430 on the rear of the receiver, which indicates production in approximately April 1885, per U.S. Government records. The left side of the stock bears a relatively clear "boxed" government inspector SWP / 1893 cartouche, indicating the year the stock was inspected. or possibly the year the rifle was shortened to a carbine, if it was done at the national arsenal.

This is definitely a weapon that saw a good amount of service, based on the overall condition. The stock is now at or below the level of the lock plate, especially at the rear, which would get worn more from handling and use. There are the expected dents, dings, and and other wear from service, however there is also a bit of staining against the butt plate, a sign of possible moisture exposure. The filled cleaning rod channel can still be seen on the front of the stock. The stock has a "long wrist", and there looks to have been some kind of item attached to the left side in the past, as indicated by the four screw holes. Otherwise it's in lovely condition, and the stock is made from lovely "curly" figured walnut.

The bore on the carbine is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is some light past fouling and oxidation present in the grooves, now cleaned away, but the lands are still crisp. We would probably rate this at a 8 out of 10. The breech block moves correctly, and the firing pin and spring are still intact. The extractor is still present and functional along with the ejector on the floor of the breech, though we have not tested them with real brass. The saddle ring bar is still present, with a saddle ring, and shows a good amount of wear. There is no storage compartment on the butt plate, as it is definitely from a rifle.

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 light gray patina from decades of cleaning. It has a lovely honest worn look to it, with just a bit of past peppering on the lock, receiver, and breech block. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and carbine M1879 ladder sight, which adjusts for range and windage, though it is stiff. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts.

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 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 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 C to indicate that the sight graduations are for a carbine and not a rifle.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a very interesting converted example of a legendary U.S. issue firearm with some great history. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1885 - Modified circa 1893
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.