Item:
ONSV9817

Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor M1884 Rifle with Standard Ram Rod made in 1890 - Serial 488842

Item Description

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. 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 # 488842 with a faded stock cartouche to the rear of the lock screws. It features a standard ramrod, not the usual ramrod bayonet seen on rifles produced during this time. The rifle has overall very good metal finish and all metal proofs still present, with a nice lightly aged blue finish. The serial number indicates production in 1890, close to the end of production.

It has the model 1884 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 with a smooth trigger. This may mean that the trigger guard and trigger were swapped out at some point. However there is no butt stock storage compartment or model 1888 round rod bayonet, so it's possible that a left over 1873 stock was used for some reason. We see no evidence that this is not the original stock.

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. Stock is still fully proud over the lock plate, so the stock has not worn down or been reconditioned. The bore is in excellent condition, showing clear lands and grooves, and a bright finish. It was not fired much, if at all. The breech block moves correctly, and the extractor is still present and functional, though we have not tested it with real brass.

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 wear in places, especially around the receiver. However there is still some case hardening present. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, Buffington sight, with standard ramrod. The lock is marked with the Federal Eagle to the left of U.S. / SPRINGFIELD marking, indicating manufacture by Springfield Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts.

A 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. Ready to display!

Specifications-

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

  • This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey

    This product is available for international shipping.
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Cash For Collectibles