Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1884 Rifle with Early Cleaning Rod Made in 1887 - Serial 376963

Original Item: Only One available. This is a very nice 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 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 nice condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 376963, which indicates production in approximately October 1887, 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 worn down to a "ghost". The rifle has the model 1884 serrated trigger and "improved" 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 could happen normally during the transitional period. It was also not later updated to the 1888 pattern with the cleaning rod bayonet.

The rifle has overall good metal finish and all metal proofs still present, looking to have probably had the receiver and barrel re-blued at some point, which did wear down the markings a bit. The bluing its now a bit worn, and we can see evidence of some past peppering in several areas. The stock shows the lovely red-brown color of aged and oiled walnut, but there is definitely wear, as the lock plate is completely above the level of the stock. There are no repairs or past major structural damage we can see any evidence of, just the wear from service and reconditioning.

The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a partly bright finish, showing some past removed fouling in the grooves. There is also wear to lands, as well as oxidation on one side of the barrel, so it was probably exposed to the elements a bit, allowing one side in particular to get a bit more exposure. The breech block has an intact freely moving firing pin and moves correctly, with the ejector present on the bottom of the breech, and the is extractor still present and functional, though we have not tested it with real brass. The rear sight is present and mostly complete, with the windage and range easily adjustable, though the securing nut at the top for the range is missing. The included cleaning rod is an early version with an "Enfield" style cleaning jag on the end, and it still retains the ribbed texture on the smaller end, so it has definitely not been cut down.

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 patina, with a bit of light peppering in places, and a a nice reblued finish on the barrel and receiver. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, stacking swivel, Buffington sight, with standard ramrod. The sling swivel on the trigger guard has broken off, and the upper sling swivel was removed for some reason. 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.

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.

This is a good opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a classic U.S. issue firearm with some great period wear. Ready to display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1887
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.