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:

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 # 236549, which indicates production in approximately June 1884, per U.S. Government records. The serial number is somewhat worn, but we looked at it with a 8X magnifier, and are fairly certain of our reading. The left side of the stock bears a faint "boxed" government inspector SWP cartouche, however we cannot make out the date. It features a standard ramrod, and was not later updated do the "1888" pattern. The rifle has overall very good metal finish and all metal proofs still present, with a nice aged blue finish showing just a bit of peppering.

The rifle has the "improved" Buffington sight fitted, along with the correct lower barrel band. However, the stock is in the 1873 configuration, with the standard ramrod, smooth trigger, and two part trigger guard. This was made during the transitional period, so sometimes older configured trigger guards and stocks were used. Definitely some interesting history to this rifle.

The wood stock does show some wear from service, with the usual dents and small chunks missing, but no major structural cracks or other catastrophic damage. The stock is still mostly proud over the lock plate, indicating that it has not been reconditioned over the years, which would remove wood from the stock. It has the typical look of a rifle that saw long use in service, with dents, dings, and other wear from use. The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. There are some areas of fouling and oxidation, so it definitely did see some level of use. 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 very good, an aged plum patina present on most of the barrel and fittings. There is also some of the original case hardened finish on the receiver, with the rest faded to a gray patina. 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 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 a faint eagle's head 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 a good opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a classic U.S. issue firearm. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1884
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.