Original Item: Only One available. This is a very nice 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. After official service, this rifle found its way into in the hands of Native Americans, where it saw long service. The butt stock has had brass tacks added around the butt plate, a very common decoration used on Native American used firearms. It also at some point had the rear sight replaced with a 1861 Springfield style sight, and the lower barrel band was replaced as well.

This rifle was acquired at the closing of the Ohio Battlefield Museum, where it had been part of their U.S. Frontier Native American display. The stock was refinished at some point, but we do no not know if this was done when it was in Native American Hands, or when it was put in the collection. It also shows quite a bit of oxidation and exposure to the metal components, so this is definitely a rifle that had a long and interesting service history!

In spite of the oxidation, we can still see that 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.

This frontier-worn example still features a standard ramrod, and was not later updated do the "1888" pattern. The metalwork is oxidized with light pitting, especially on the receiver area, which has made the serial number impossible to read. All we can see is that it ends with "38". Both barrel bands are U marked, however the butt plate stamping is not visible, and the lock plate only has a "ghost" of the original "U.S. / SPRINGFIELD" marking, though it definitely is there. Both sling swivels are still present, however the stacking swivel has been removed.

We checked the bore, and it is well oxidized from muzzle to chamber, with very little sign of rifling still present. The breech still opens, and the ejector still looks to work correctly, though we doubt it would work with the amount of oxidation that is in the barrel. The lock is still functional, however it will fire at all three positions, so the tumbler is definitely well worn. The stock of this example was apparently refinished at some point with some kind of lacquer or varnish. Over the years this has checked and cracked, giving it a fantastic aged look that matches the metalwork nicely.

The barrel breech markings are still visible, and 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.

A great chance to pick up a Native American "Frontier Used" Springfield Trapdoor to hang on the wall! This has a fantastic patina of age that is simply impossible to duplicate.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1884-1890
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.