Item:
ON7932

Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873/84 Transitional Rifle made in 1886 - Serial No 30777*

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. 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. However, the switch to the round rod bayonet model 1884 was not instantaneous, so transitional examples such as this one are found.

Offered in excellent condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 30777* (last number is unclear) with overall good metal finish and most metal proofs still present. The serial number indicates production in 1886, a time when 1873 parts were still readily available. The stock is in the 1873 configuration, with the standard ramrod, and two part trigger guard. However, it has the model 1884 serrated trigger, and is fitted with a Buffington sight.

There are some small dents and scratches in the wood, as expected on a rifle this age, but the stock does not appear to have had any major repairs or damage. The stock has been sanded down, as the stock is below the lock plate level on all sides. Also the stock proofs have all been removed from this refinishing process. The bore is in fair condition, with lands and grooves, but also a lot of fouling. It definitely was not cleaned properly for some time after last use.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and the lower barrel band is U marked. Metal finish is a nice aged brown color, with a bit of peppering in places. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, one sling swivel with stacking swivel, Buffington sight, standard ramrod. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. SPRINGFIELD manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts. It looks like the upper barrel band was replaced with a Krag band, which only has a stacking swivel.

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.

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 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.
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

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