Original Item: Only One available. The U.S. breech loading Springfield "trapdoor" rifle was introduced in 1873 in .45-70 caliber. Basically it was the rifle the U.S. Army used to open the West and Springfield trapdoor carbines were used by Custer's Cavalry at the massacre at The Little Big Horn. This example has had the breech block swapped out at one point with a Model 1873 block, so the breech block marking is:

U.S.
MODEL
1873

In 1884 the integral Round Rod Bayonet was introduced, which could double as a cleaning rod, a development that met with very limited success. 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 1884 rifles.

The Model 1884 round rod bayonet rifle was Springfield's third attempt at a rod bayonet system on a trapdoor rifle. They had used the triangular rod system on the Model 1880 and some Model 1882 rifles. The Model 1884 RRB rifle utilized a different, but no more reliable mechanism for retaining the rod. Because the small locking "fingers" are not clearly visible, the gun has been nicknamed "flatlatch."

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber. The serial number is #530373, which indicates production in approximately December 1891, per U.S. Government records. This technically makes it a model 1888 according to some sources. This rifle has all of the gradual "updates" that were made to the original design. The stock is dark and in good shape, and retains the original "boxed" inspection cartouche reading SWP 1892, which makes sense as it was manufactured at the end of 1891, and then inspected in early 1892. 

The metalwork on the rifle still shows the original blued finish now faded to a lovely plum patina overall, with just a bit of light peppering in areas. The case hardening on the breech block and receiver has worn away, and the color now matches the rest of the metalwork. The bore is in good condition, showing still-clear lands and grooves and a partially bright finish. There is some light wear to the lands, and a bit of past fouling near the muzzle, but nothing out of line with a rifle that saw some real use service. The cleaning rod / bayonet is functional, with a worn finish and intact threads on the end, and the locking mechanism by the muzzle is fully functional.

The stock is in very good condition, having been arsenal reconditioned at some point, so the lock plate is now at or above the level of the stock in most areas. There is some heavy wear to the stock in some places including the majority of the forestock around the barrel. It has a fantastic lovely red brown color with clear grain, only achieved after decades. Another nice feature on this example is the butt stock tool compartment, which is covered by a rotating door on the butt plate. This was used to store the take down tool and stuck cartridge extractor. Unfortunately this compartment is empty, as we often see.

The buttstock has a heavy amount of markings, with the spine being marked G / 40 which could indicate issue to the 40th Infantry Regiment, a unit mostly made up of African-Americans during this period. On the right side of the buttstock, a stylized 22 is carved above 457, likely a stamped rack number. Lastly, the buttplate tang is marked the correct U.S. above another marking, 6 / 14 1. These markings clearly indicate a heavy amount of usage and reissuing over the years, meaning this rifle definitely saw extensive service. There is a small crack at the tang of the barrel, and another at the front and back of the lock plate.

The both barrel bands are U marked, and the butt plate tang is marked with the correct U.S. stamp as previously mentioned. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, Buffington sight, sliding ramrod bayonet. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts. The breech block opens correctly, locking closed when shut. The lock is fully functional, and the cartridge extractor and ejector are present and most functional (spring is missing), however we cannot guarantee they will work on actual brass. The rear sight is present, with the range and windage easily adjustable, however the very bottom of the leaf is broken off.

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.

A great chance to pickup a very nice example of the United States last single shot rifle with some great regimental markings, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1891
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.