Item Description
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:
U.S.
MODEL
1884
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. The trapdoor rifle 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 service used condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial #110706, which indicates production in approximately July 1879, per U.S. Government records. There is also what looks to be a very faint SWP 1879 cartouche to the rear of the lock screws. It features a standard ramrod, and was not later updated do the "1888" pattern. The rifle has overall very good metal finish and all metal proofs still present, with a nice aged blue finish.
The rifle looks to have been sent back to arsenal to be upgraded to the Model 1884 standard at some point, and had a Buffington adjustable sight fitted, along with the correct lower barrel band. The breech block was also swapped out for the functionally identical Model 1884 marked example, and the smooth trigger upgraded to a serrated one. However, the stock is in the 1873 configuration, with the standard ramrod, two part trigger guard. Definitely some interesting history to this rifle!
There are some small dents and scratches in the wood, but it still has a great color, and has the lovely color of aged oiled walnut. The stock is completely below the level of the lock plate, so it definitely has been reconditioned, which removed wood around the wrist area. The trigger guard tang is also protruding, however there are no major cracks or other structural damage. The bore is in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves and a bright finish. There is some overall wear from service, so this is a rifle that did get 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, with the bluing faded to a plum patina on most components. The breech block and lock plate show a lovely finish as well, looking to have had an arsenal finish touch up. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, Buffington sight, with standard ramrod. Lock is marked with the Federal Eagle to the left of U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, 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. Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a capital R on top; and a V over a P over an Eagle's head over another P on the left side just above the stock. There is also an EXTRA P over the markings, from when it was reinspected after updating. 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 an excellent opportunity to pick up a very good example of a classic U.S. issue firearm. Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1879
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.
- 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 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.
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