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. 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 excellent condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial #346021, which indicates production in approximately December 1886, per U.S. Government records. There is also what looks to be a very faint SWP 1890 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. With production in 1886 but an inspection in 1890, is very possible that this rifle was returned to arsenal for a new stock in 1889. It also may have been a rifle made from salvaged parts, which was not uncommon.

The rifle has the Buffington adjustable sight fitted, along with the correct lower barrel band. However, the stock is in the 1873 configuration, with the standard ramrod, two part trigger guard, and smooth trigger. It is also equipped with a "MODEL 1873" breech block, and early 1873 dated lock plate. 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 still partly proud over the lock plate, so the stock has not been worn down or reconditioned excessively. The bore is in excellent condition, with crisp lands and grooves and a bright finish. 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. The breech block and lock plate show a lovely finish as well. 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 / 1873, 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. A VERY faint 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 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 an excellent opportunity to pick up a great example of a classic U.S. issue firearm. Ready to display!

Specifications-

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

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.