Original Item: Only One Available. "Museum Grade" is not a term that we use often at all, so we do not use it lightly. However there is no better description for the condition of this rifle. It is the best example we have ever seen of a Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor rifle, and looks to possibly be completely unissued. It's like we reached back in time and snatched it straight from the arsenal. We received this out of an old collection that was exceptionally well curated, as well as well protected from the elements, which has allowed us to offer this fantastic example, just as we received it.

This is a fantastic unissued 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 unissued condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 401635, which indicates production in approximately November 1889, per U.S. Government records. The left side of the stock bears a crisp "boxed" government inspector SWP / 1889 cartouche, for inspection during the same year. It features a standard ramrod, and was not later updated to the "1888" pattern. The rifle has the model 1884 serrated trigger and "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, which is correct for this period.

The original finish on the rifle is preserved at nearly 100%, with the original bluing strong on all components except for the breech block, which is case colored, and retains that finish almost perfectly as well. There is little to no wear of any kind we can see on the metalwork, except for just a bit of scuffing on the latch for the breech block. The stock is fantastic, still FULLY proud over the lock plate and displaying crisp inspection cartouches. There is no wear from service we can see, just some small dents and dings from storage.

The bore is in true MINT condition, showing a mirror bright finish with crisp lands and grooves, and no signs of wear or cleaning. We can still even see the cutting marks in the grooves, so this rifle does not look to have seen any use in firing after the proof testing at Springfield! The breech block has an intact freely moving firing pin and moves correctly, locking closed when returned to battery. The extractor still present and functional as is the ejector, though we have not tested them with real brass. The rear sight is present and fully intact, flipping up correctly, though at present we cannot move the range or windage adjustments, as the original arsenal grease has dried out. We did not make any attempts to free it to avoid any possible damage to the finish or sight. The original cleaning rod is in great condition, still complete with the cleaning jag on the end.

The both barrel bands are U marked, and the butt plate tang is marked with the correct U.S. stamp, along with what may be some regiment markings. Metal finish is the best we have ever seen, looking much like it did when it was made. 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 crisp 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 chance to pick up a truly magnificent "Museum Grade" Springfield Trapdoor Model 1884 Rifle, much as it was when first issued. We do not expect to have another like this anytime in the near future!

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 no able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.

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 possess, 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.