Item Description
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:
U.S.
MODEL
1884
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 condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber. Serial #541955 indicates manufacture in 1892, which 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 clear government inspector SWP / 1892 cartouche, indicating final inspection in the same fiscal year. Original metal finish is still very good, with lots of the original blue and even some case hardening in places. The butt plate is marked U.S., and both barrel bands are U marked. Back of the wrist also has rack marking 120 / 7, while the right side of the butt stock is marked 65 / 297.
Hardware is in solid condition, with no signs of structural issues. The bore is in excellent condition, with crisp lands and grooves and a bright finish. This is not a rifle that saw much firing at all, and it even has the front sight hood, which are almost always missing. The cleaning rod / bayonet is in good shape, with intact threads, and a nice worn blue finish. Another excellent 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.
The stock is in good condition, and is still partly proud over the lock plate, indicating the stock has not been worn down or reconditioned much. There are a few dents and gouges from service, but it's got a lovely color and patina. It does look to have been lightly varnished at some point, but probably before the numbers were stamped into the side of the butt stock.
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, though we have not tested it on spent brass.
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.
A great chance to pickup an excellent example of the United States last single shot rifle! Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1892
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.
Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are no able to ship to the United Kingdom.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to posses, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in live condition. They are sold as collector’s items or as wall hangers. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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