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. This example has a standard M1873 ramrod, and comes complete with the correct socket bayonet & Scabbard. 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 excellent condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 325955, indicating production in 1886. 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 lightly aged blue finish. 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. 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 stock is in lovely condition, with the great red-brown color only seen on aged oiled walnut. It does appear to have possibly been arsenal reconditioned, as the stock level is at or below the level of the lock plate. This has unfortunately worn away all of the stock cartouches that would usually be on the rifle. The bore is in excellent condition, with crisp lands and grooves and a bright finish. There is just a tiny bit of wear visible in places. 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 strong bluing present on most of the barrel and fittings. There is also some of the original case hardened finish on the breech block. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, Buffington sight, with standard ramrod. The sight is in good condition, though it is frozen at present, and a taller "V" notch sight was soldered to the sight at some point. The lock is marked with the Federal Eagle to the left of U.S. / SPRINGFIELD marking, indicating manufacture by Springfield Armory 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.
The included bayonet is the classic 1873 style triangular socket bayonet marked U.S., and has retained the original blue finish quite nicely. There are some minor areas of rust spotting, which we have left intact to preserve the patina. It comes in its original steel scabbard, complete with a leather frog and swivel brass belt hook, which is marked US on the hinge rosette. The leather frog is unfortunately somewhat deteriorated, and is now in delicate condition.
This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a great example of a classic U.S. issue firearm, complete with its original bayonet. Ready to display!
Specifications (Rifle):-
Year of Manufacture: 1886
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
Specifications (Bayonet):-
Blade Length: 18"
Blade Style: Triangular
Overall length: 21“
Scabbard Length: 18 3/8"
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.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
