Original Item: Only One available. The U.S. breech loading Springfield "trapdoor" rifle was introduced in 1873 in .45-70 caliber. Basically it was the rifle the U.S. Army used to open the West and Springfield trapdoor carbines were used by Custer's Cavalry at the massacre at The Little Big Horn. This example has the breech block marking:

In 1884 the integral Round Rod Bayonet was introduced, which could double as a cleaning rod, a development that met with very limited success. 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.

The Model 1884 round rod bayonet rifle was Springfield's third attempt at a rod bayonet system on a trapdoor rifle. They had used the triangular rod system on the Model 1880 and some Model 1882 rifles. The Model 1884 RRB rifle utilized a different, but no more reliable mechanism for retaining the rod. Because the small locking "fingers" are not clearly visible, the gun has been nicknamed "flatlatch."

Offered in very good "attic find" condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber. The serial number is #519711, which indicates production in approximately July 1891, per U.S. Government records. This technically makes it a model 1888 according to some sources. This rifle has all of the gradual "updates" that were made to the original design. The left side of the stock bears a crisp "boxed" government inspector SWP / 1891 cartouche, indicating stock inspection in the same year.

The original metal finish on the rifle is very good, though it has definitely worn in an interesting way. Much of the original polished blue finish is present, however there are small areas of light pitting, now cleaned away, as is small areas of rust formed over a century and then were cleaned away. This is seen on the rear sight, the band near it, and on the trigger guard and butt plate. The receiver still has all of the bluing present, but the breech block has some areas of peppering, while the rest is still the original case hardened finish. We assume it was stored for a long time in a relatively dry area, where corrosion slowly formed on specific areas.

The bore is in excellent condition, looking nearly unissued. The machining marks in the grooves are still visible, and we see very little evidence that the rifle was fired much, if at all. There is no primer burn around the breech face, though presently the firing pin is stuck due to dried grease and corrosion. The cleaning rod / bayonet is fully functional, and retains nearly 100% of the original blued finish, with great threads.

The stock is in great condition, and is still fully proud over the lock plate, indicating the stock has not been worn down or reconditioned. There are a few dents and small chips from service, but it's got a lovely red brown color and patina, only achieved after decades. There is very little wear from cleaning or service, and the markings are all still crisp. Another nice feature on this example is the butt stock tool compartment, which is covered by a rotating door on the butt plate. This was used to store the take down tool and stuck cartridge extractor. Unfortunately this compartment is empty.

Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, Buffington sight, sliding ramrod bayonet. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD indicating manufacture by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts. The lock is fully functional, and the cartridge extractor is intact and functional, though we have not tested it on spent brass. The rear sight is fully functional, though the windage adjustment is very stiff.

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 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 inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a capital I 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.

A great chance to pickup a great example of the United States last single shot rifle! Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1891
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.