Original Item: Only One available. This is a very interesting 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 used condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 500088 with a clear SWP 1890 cartouche to the rear of the lock screws. It features a standard ramrod, not the usual ramrod bayonet seen on rifles produced during this time. The rifle has overall good metal finish and all metal proofs still present, with a nice aged blue finish. The serial number indicates production in 1890, with the stock inspected in the same year.

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. Additionally, the breech block is marked "1873". This rifle was made after the transition to the ramrod bayonet, so we do not know exactly why it is in this configuration, and it is very possible that the breech block is a replacement, but the stock definitely is not. The cartouche on the stock is fairly definitive in proving that this is the original stock for the gun.

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. It has a lovely finish from years of careful cleaning and waxing. The breech block moves correctly, and the extractor is still present, though the spring is missing. We have not tested it on actual brass. The bore is in good condition, showing rifling, but there is definitely some fouling and oxidation.

The both barrel bands are U marked, and the butt plate tang is marked with the correct U.S. stamp. Metal finish is excellent, with strong bluing present on most of the barrel and fittings. There is also a good amount of the original case hardened finish on the breech block. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, upper sling swivel with stacking swivel (lower swivel missing), Buffington sight, with standard ramrod. The lock is marked with the Federal Eagle to the left of U.S. / SPRINGFIELD marking, 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. A 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 I 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 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 top of the scabbard is a bit deformed, so it no longer holds the frog tightly in place.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a classic U.S. issue firearm. Ready to display!

Specifications (Rifle):-

Year of Manufacture: 1890
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 no able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.

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.