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 introduced, which could double as a cleaning rod, a development that met with very limited success. However, it was not fitted to all model 1884s, and breech blocks would also be fitted to re-conditioned model 1873 rifles. 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 used condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 180828, with a clear SWP 1887 cartouche, overall good metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in 1882, with stock inspection in 1887, so this rifle definitely appears to have been returned to arsenal for reconditioning. The stock is still the correct 1873/1884 version for the standard ramrod, though the ramrod is unfortunately missing. It has the correct model 1873 two part trigger guard and smooth trigger, and butt plate without a storage compartment. The rear sight was also not replaced with the Buffington adjustable sight and looks to have a very early pattern sight.
The metalwork does show significant wear to the finish, however only a bit of rust peppering. There are small dents and scratches in the wood, but it still has a great color, with lots of grain. The replaced stock is still fully proud over the lock plate, and does not look to have been refinished since it was replaced. There is some cracking in the nose cap area.
The bore is in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves, and a mostly bright finish. There are just a few spots of oxidation that we can see. The ejector is present, and functions correctly, though we have not tested it with real brass. The rear sight works well, however it is quite stiff, and can be hard to move.
The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. Metal finish is a nice worn and polished blue, with a bit of light peppering in places, especially on the hammer. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, Buffington sight. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, indicating manufacture by Springfield Armory 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. The clear 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 inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a V over a P over an eagle's head over another P on the left side just above the stock, and a small R over the chamber.
The included training bayonet is in good used condition, and looks to have been arsenal fabricated. It does not conform to the usual patterns seen, but definitely mounts correctly to the rifle, and is marked S.H PJF on the arm. It has had the original blade removed, and a flat straight practice blade welded on, which ends with a leather pad, perfect for bayonet "Fencing" practice.
This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a classic U.S. issue firearm, reconditioned at arsenal and complete with a fencing bayonet. Ready to display!
Specifications (Rifle)-
Year of Manufacture: 1882
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: Straight Practice with Padded End
Overall length: 20 1/2“
Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are no able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.
- 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. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". 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.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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