Original Item: Only One available. This is a lovely honest used example of the classic Springfield trapdoor rifle, complete with an original bayonet. This was 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 replaced 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, with Serial #354508 stamped on the rear of the receiver, which indicates production in approximately March 1887, per U.S. Government records. The left side of the stock has traces of the original "boxed" inspection cartouche, but only the "SWP" is visible, with the date completely worn away. The rifle has overall good service used metal finish and all metal proofs still present. 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. The breech block looks to have been replaced with a Model 1873 one, which by that time were identical.

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 partly proud over the lock plate, with the rear of the lock plate now above the stock. The wrist area looks to have been worn down from handling, which unfortunately wore down the inspection cartouche. There are the dents and dings from service and storage, but major issues such as structural cracks., and no repairs we can see.

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 has an intact freely moving firing pin and moves correctly, with the extractor still present and functional, though we have not tested it with real brass. The rear sight works well, with an easily adjustable range and windage, something we do not often see. The cleaning rod is in very good condition, showing wear to the finish, and it still retains the ribbed area on the end. The sling swivels and stacking swivel are all present and movable, however the upper sling swivel is bent. The lock is fully functional, however the hammer retaining screw has had the top shear off.

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 mottled patina of age. 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 faint 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 somewhat faint inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a capital A on top; 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 standard M1879 sliding sight leaf and the left side of the ramp are marked R to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.

The included bayonet is the classic 1873 style triangular socket bayonet marked U.S., which is in very good service used condition, showing some areas of oxidation on the socket. The lock ring looks to have been replaced at some point as well, probably due to oxidation of the original, and it does not quite fit right. The retaining tab that keeps it in place is also missing. It still fits well on the muzzle of the rifle.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a classic U.S. issue firearm with a great bore, complete with its original bayonet. Ready to display!

Specifications (Rifle):-

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

Specifications (Bayonet):-

Blade Length: 18"
Blade Style: Triangular
Overall length: 21“
Scabbard Length: 18 3/8"

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.