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 # 457479, which indicates production in approximately September 1889, per U.S. Government records. The left side of the stock bears a relatively clear "boxed" government inspector SWP / 1889 cartouche, for inspection during the same year. It features a standard ramrod, and was not later made in the the "1888" pattern, even though it was produced after it was introduced. 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 markings on the metal are all crisp, and we see no signs of refinishing. Just a great honest used example!

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 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 use in service, with dents, dings, and other wear from use. The bore is in excellent barely used condition, showing crisp lands and grooves with a bright finish. We can see very little evidence that it was ever used. 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, with areas still baring much of the original blued finish. There is also some of the original case hardened finish on the receiver, with the rest faded to a gray patina, and no signs of refinishing. 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 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 a great opportunity to pick up a very good example of a classic U.S. issue firearm showing some wear from service to the exterior. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1889
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.