Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1884 Rifle Made in 1886 with Standard Ramrod and Bayonet - Serial 334874

Original Item: Only One available. This is a fantastic example of the classic Springfield trapdoor rifle, complete with an original bayonet. This was 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 replaced breech block is marked:

U.S.
MODEL
1884

In 1884 the integral Round Rod Bayonet was designed, which could double as a cleaning rod, a development that met with very limited success. However, it was not fitted to all rifles, and not usually seen until at least 1886. 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 of 1884 rifles.

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, with Serial #334874 stamped on the rear of the receiver, which indicates production in approximately September 1886, per U.S. Government records. The left side of the stock bears a clear "boxed" government inspector SWP / 1889 cartouche, for inspection several years later. The rifle is in really great shape, which suggests it may have had the stock damaged somehow, and was sent back to arsenal to have it swapped out, at which time they may have touched up the finish. We cannot see any signs of major cleaning or restoration.

The rifle has overall very good to excellent metal finish and all metal proofs are still present. There is even still lots of the original case hardened finish on the top and bottom of the breech block, and even the receiver tang. It has the model 1884 serrated trigger and Buffington sight fitted, along with the correct lower barrel band. However, the stock is in the 1873 configuration, with the standard ramrod and two part trigger guard, which is correct for this period.

There are some small dents and scratches in the wood, but no major damage, and it has the lovely color of aged oiled walnut. The stock is still fully proud over the level of the lock plate, indicating that it has not been majorly cleaned or worn down over the years. The wood is truly lovely, a nice polished finish from years of careful cleaning, and no cracks, repairs, or other damage we can see. The stock cartouches are both strong with no signs of refinishing.

The bore is in excellent near mint condition and shows little sign of ever having been used. The surface is mirror bright and the lands and grooves are strong. There is just the tiniest bit of wear detectable, so this rifle was very well cared for. The breech block has an intact freely moving firing pin and moves correctly, with the extractor still present and functional, though we have not tested it with real brass. The ejector in the bottom of the breech is present as well. The rear sight works well, with an easily adjustable range and windage, something we do not often see. The cleaning rod is in very good condition, showing wear to the finish, and it still retains the ribbed area on the end. The sling swivels and stacking swivel are all present and movable, and the lock is fully functional, holding at both positions before it is fully cocked.

The both barrel bands are U marked, and the butt plate tang is marked with the correct U.S. stamp. Metal finish is a nice aged blued color, with a bit of fading towards plum on the barrel, and no signs of major oxidation. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, Buffington sight, with standard ramrod. Lock is marked with a Federal Eagle to the left of U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, indicating that it was 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 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 somewhat faint inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a capital A 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.

The included bayonet is the classic 1873 style triangular socket bayonet marked U.S., which is in very good service used condition, showing overall patination from use and age. We can see past peppering and some past pitting, now cleaned away, giving it a great well used look.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a fantastic example of a classic U.S. issue firearm with a great bore, complete with its original bayonet. Ready to display!

Specifications (Rifle):-

Year of Manufacture: 1886
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

Specifications (Bayonet):-

Blade Length: 18"
Blade Style: Triangular
Overall length: 21“
Scabbard Length: 18 3/8"

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.