Original Item: Only One available. This is a nicely matured example of the classic Springfield trapdoor rifle, complete with an M1873 original bayonet. This was 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, with Serial #374342 stamped on the rear of the receiver, which indicates production in approximately September 1887, per U.S. Government records. The left side of the stock still retains a very faded "boxed" government inspector [SWP / 18]?0 cartouche, which only has the last two numbers of the date partially legible. The last number is definitely "0", but we cannot tell if the number before it is an "8" or a "9". This most could mean that the stock was replaced, or that the rifle was sent back to arsenal and re-inspected.

The rifle has an overall worn metal finish, showing a matured brown patina overall, with some areas of past peppering, now partly removed. The butt plate in particular shows some past peppery oxidation. It has the model 1884 serrated trigger and 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.

There are some dents, scratches, and small missing chunks in the wood, but no major damage, and it has the lovely red brown color of aged and oiled walnut. The stock is still partially proud over the lock plate, with the tail near the wrist slightly above. This area is one of the first to see wear, and with the faded cartouches, it looks to have seen a good amount of use. There are also some finger grooves worn into the bottom of the fore stock area. We did see that there is a rack number S. F. / O 128 on the left side of the stock. We can see a bit of figuring on the rear left of the stock, and overall it is quite attractive.

The bore is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with clear lands and grooves. We can see a bit of overall haze, particularly near the muzzle, and there is some wear to the lands, so it did see service, but was properly cleaned after use. The breech block has an intact freely moving firing pin and moves correctly, and the latch is fully functional. The extractor and ejector are also still present and functional, though we have not tested the action with real brass. The rear sight works well, with an easily adjustable range and windage, something we do not often see.

The cleaning rod is in very good condition, showing wear to the finish, and it still retains the ribbed area on the end. The sling swivels and stacking swivel are all present and movable, and the Buffington long range sight is easily adjustable for range and windage.

The both barrel bands are U marked, and the butt plate tang is marked with the correct U.S. stamp. Metal finish is a nice aged brown patina, with no signs of major oxidation. 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. We checked the lock action, and it holds at the first two positions, only firing when fully cocked.

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 somewhat faint inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a capital A on top; 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.

The included bayonet is the classic 1873 style triangular socket bayonet marked U.S., on the ricasso, and it is in very good condition, with much of the original blued finish still present. We did note that the blade is about 1 1/2" shorter than it should be, though it does not look to have been shortened.

This Springfield trapdoor rifle retains its Buffington rear sight, standard cleaning rod, U-marked barrel bands, movable sling and stacking swivels, and a functional action with intact extractor and ejector. The bright bore with clearly defined rifling is particularly noteworthy, while the worn brown finish, faded SWP cartouche, rack marking, stock wear, and scattered oxidation reflect extensive service and handling. The included U.S.-marked Model 1873 socket bayonet retains much of its original blued finish, although the blade measures approximately 1½ inches shorter than standard for reasons that remain unclear. Together, they form a well-preserved example of a late 19th-century U.S. service rifle in the conventional cleaning-rod configuration, accompanied by a correct-period bayonet.

Specifications (Rifle):-

Year of Manufacture: 1887
Maker: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield
Model: 1844 Trapdoor Carbine
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
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

Specifications (Bayonet):-

Blade Length: 16 1/2"
Blade Style: Triangular
Socket Length: 3"
Overall length: 19 1/2“

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.

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, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. 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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.