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:

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, Serial # 480471, which indicates production in approximately April 1890, per U.S. Government records. The stock cartouche on the left side has unfortunately worn away, however when we checked the Springfield Research Services serial number listings, we found a match! This serial number is listed as 033143 WWII DONATION TO US NAVY, which is present on just under 800 serial numbers in the records. Originally started by researcher and author Frank Mallory, the service has extracted numerous serial numbers for various firearms from records in the National Archives. We are not sure why these were donated to the U.S. Navy, but we assume they were to be used for drill purposes or something similar. It is also possible that they were used as line-throwing devices, which would have been a perfect us given the large obsolete bore. Definitely a real rarity to find any information on a Trapdoor such as this!

The rifle features a standard ramrod, and was not later made in the the "1888" pattern, even though it was produced after it was introduced. The rifle has overall very good metal finish and all metal proofs still present, with a nice aged blue finish showing just a bit of peppering. The markings on the metal are all crisp, and we see no signs of refinishing. The rifle has the "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 with a smooth trigger. This was made during the transitional period, so sometimes older configured trigger guards and stocks were used. Definitely some interesting history to this rifle!

The wood stock does show some wear from service, with the usual dents and small chunks missing, but no major structural cracks or other catastrophic damage. The stock is below the level of the lock plate, so it has definitely been cleaned and possibly refurbished during service, which is why the original stock proofs are missing. It has the typical look of a rifle that saw use in service, with dents, dings, and other wear from use. The bore is in very good used condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a bright finish on the lands, while the grooves show some past fouling and oxidation. The breech block moves correctly, and the extractor is still present and functional, though we have not tested it with real brass. The rear sight works well, however it is missing the bottom portion under the sight aperture.

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, an aged plum patina present on most of the barrel and fittings, with some past peppering in areas. 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. 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 opportunity to pick up a very good example of a classic U.S. issue firearm, which was donated to the U.S. Navy During WWII. It has lovely service worn look and is definitely ripe for further research! Ready to display!

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 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.