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:

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 # 389573, which indicates production in approximately June 1887, per U.S. Government records. The left side of the stock bears a clear "boxed" government inspector SWP / 1886 cartouche, for inspection during the previous year. Mismatches like this were common during trapdoor production. The rifle has overall very good metal finish and all metal proofs still present, with a nice deep blue finish on the barrel, showing some wear on the sight and peppering on the top of the breech block.

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 it still has a great color, and has the lovely color of aged oiled walnut. The stock is still fully proud over the lock plate, so the stock has not worn down or been reconditioned much. It does however show denting and scratches from service, or from storage afterwards, where rifles were often stacked on top of one another.

The bore is excellent and shows clear lands and grooves with a bright finish. There are just a few areas of wear and fouling visible in the grooves, showing that it was well cared for while in service. The breech block moves correctly, and the extractor is still present and functional, though we have not tested it with real brass. The rear sight works well, with an easily adjustable range, though the windage is quite stiff, probably due to dried grease.

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 light peppering in places, and an overall lovely patina of age. There is a bit more advanced oxidation on the top of the breech block, which may have had something resting on it for a period. 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 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.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a classic U.S. issue firearm with some great accessories. 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 no able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.