{"product_id":"original-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-m1873-rifle-upgraded-to-m1884-with-standard-ramrod-made-in-1882-serial-170667","title":"Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor M1873 Rifle Upgraded to M1884 with Standard Ramrod made in 1882 - Serial 170667","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One available. This is a lovely 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eU.S.\u003cbr\u003eMODEL\u003cbr\u003e1884\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModel 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e170667\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, which indicates production in approximately \u003cstrong\u003eApril 1882\u003c\/strong\u003e, per U.S. Government records. The left side of the stock bears a worn \"boxed\" government inspector \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSWP \/ 1887\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e cartouche, which is some years after production. This would indicate that the rifle was sent back to Springfield Armory, and then was updated from the Model 1873 standard to the Model 1884 Standard. The smooth trigger was replaced with a serrated one, and the rear sight was replaced with the new \u003cstrong\u003eBuffington\u003c\/strong\u003e adjustable sight, complete with the correct lower barrel band. However, the stock is in the 1873 configuration, with the standard ramrod, smooth trigger, and two part trigger guard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rifle has overall good metal finish and all metal proofs still present, showing lovely plum \/ gray patina on the metalwork from years of service and cleaning. There is no real rust peppering that we can see, just some mottled staining in areas. The wood stock is in very good condition, showing wear commensurate to age and service. There are the usual dents, scratches, and dings, but no major catastrophic damage. The stock is also FULLY proud over the lock plate, indicating that it has not been sanded down or majorly refurbished in the past. It has a lovely dark red brown color, only achieved after decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bore is in excellent condition, showing crisp lands and grooves with a bright finish. There are just a few small spots of light oxidation haze. The breech block moves correctly, locking closed and with an intact firing pin, and the extractor is still present and functional, though we have not tested it with real brass. The Buffington sight is fully intact, though the adjustments are definitely quite stiff, and the sight ladder slide is currently frozen with dried grease. The cleaning rod is in good shape, and the cleaning jag on the end is still fully intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe both barrel bands are \u003cstrong\u003eU\u003c\/strong\u003e marked, and the butt plate tang is marked with the correct \u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e stamp. Metal finish is a lovely aged plum gray patina. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, \u003cb\u003eBuffington sight\u003c\/b\u003e, with standard ramrod. Lock is marked with a Federal Eagle to the left of \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. \/ SPRINGFIELD\u003c\/strong\u003e, indicating that it was manufactured at the \u003cem\u003eUnited States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield\u003c\/em\u003e, in Springfield, Massachusetts. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 faint stylized \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003eR\u003c\/strong\u003e on top and a \u003cstrong\u003eV\u003c\/strong\u003e over a \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e over an \u003cstrong\u003eeagle's head\u003c\/strong\u003e over another \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e on the left side just above the stock. The upper right corner of the Buffington sight leaf is marked \u003cstrong\u003eR\u003c\/strong\u003e to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a great opportunity to pick up a very nice upgraded example of a classic U.S. issue firearm, with a great \"been there\" look! Ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1882 - upgraded 1887\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .45-70 Government\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 32 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 52 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41959612973125,"sku":"ONTC23PK28K","price":1195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONTC23PK28K__01.jpg?v=1724103707","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-m1873-rifle-upgraded-to-m1884-with-standard-ramrod-made-in-1882-serial-170667","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}