Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1884 Rifle with Standard Ram Rod made in 1888 - Serial 401635

Original Item: Only One available. This is a fantastic 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 good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 401635, which indicates production in approximately January-February 1888, per U.S. Government records. The left side of the stock bears a clear "boxed" government inspector SWP / 1889 cartouche, for inspection during the following year. Due to how the calendar and "financial" year do not match this kind of discrepancy is common. It features a standard ramrod, and was not later updated to the "1888" pattern. 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 is correct for this period.

The rifle has overall good metal finish and all metal proofs still present, looking to have had the finish touched up at arsenal long ago, which is still very well retained. The barrel still shows strong bluing, except at the end where fitting a bayonet has worn it a bit, while the rest of the action and lock are lovely. We do not see any evidence of major past peppering or pitting, just wear from service. The stock is lovely, showing the lovely red-brown color of aged and oiled walnut, and shows the usual dents, dings, and scratches from service. The wood is still fully proud over the level of the lock plate, indicating that it was not arsenal reconditioned or worn down excessively at any time. The stock cartouches are still present, and there are no repairs or past major structural damage we can see any evidence of.

The bore is in excellent near mint condition, showing crisp lands and grooves and a bright finish. We can still even see the cutting marks in the grooves, so this rifle does not look to have seen much use in firing after the proof testing at Springfield! The breech block has an intact freely moving firing pin and moves correctly, locking closed when returned to battery. The extractor still present and functional as is the ejector, though we have not tested them with real brass. The rear sight is present and fully intact, with the range and windage easily adjustable. The original cleaning rod is in great condition, still complete with the cleaning jag on the end.

The both barrel bands are U marked, and the butt plate tang is marked with the correct U.S. stamp, along with what may be some regiment markings. Metal finish is quite lovely, still showing most of the arsenal reblued finish. 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. There is also a unit marking on the toe of the butt stock: 1 / A / 33.

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 crisp 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.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a classic U.S. issue firearm with a fantastic bore. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1888
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 no able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.