Item:
ON1802

Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 updated to 1884 Round Rod Bayonet Rifle - Serial No 138067

Item Description

Original Item: Only One available. The U.S. breech loading Springfield "trapdoor" rifle was introduced in 1873 in .45-70 caliber. Basically it was the rifle the U.S. Army used to open the West and Springfield trapdoor carbines were used by Custer's Cavalry at the massacre at The Little Big Horn. This excellent example has the breech block marking:

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.

The Model 1884 round rod bayonet rifle was Springfield's third attempt at a rod bayonet system on a trapdoor rifle. They had used the triangular rod system on the Model 1880 and some Model 1882 rifles. The Model 1884 RRB rifle utilized a different, but no more reliable mechanism for retaining the rod. Because the small locking "fingers" are not clearly visible, the gun has been nicknamed "flatlatch."

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber. Bore is in excellent condition with a bright finish and sharp lands and grooves. Serial #138067 indicates manufacture in 1880, with a government inspector SWP 1891 cartouche, indicating stock inspection in that year. This rifle most likely suffered a broken stock around 1889-1890, and was returned to arsenal for repair. While there they updated it to the 1884 standard, replacing the breech block and all fittings. This explains how a rifle made in 1880 according to the serial number has 1884 fittings.

The rifle features original metal finish with all proofs still present. The butt plate is marked U.S. (faded) and both barrel bands are U marked. Hardware is in solid condition, though the finish is a bit worn, giving parts a dull gray appearance.

Another excellent and rarely seen feature on this example is the butt stock tool compartment, which is covered by a rotating door on the butt plate. We have had many Springfield Trapdoor rifles, but only a few have had this feature. 

The rifle features an nice stock with some of the edges still proud over the lock plate. It appears to have been sanded a bit, and has a great red color under the oiled finish that has been applied. There are some scratches and dings, as expected of a rifle of this age, but overall it is solid and quite attractive.

Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, Buffington sight, sliding ramrod bayonet. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. SPRINGFIELD manufactured by Springfield Armory, 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 (faint) 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; 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.

Model 1884 and Model 1888 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 a mix of 1884 and 1888 rifles.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1880 - Arsenal Repaired 1891
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
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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