{"product_id":"original-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-model-1884-1888-round-rod-bayonet-rifle-made-in-1891-with-unit-marking-serial-506515","title":"Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1884 \/ 1888 Round Rod Bayonet Rifle made in 1891 with Unit Marking - Serial 506515","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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 example has the breech block marking:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003cbr\u003eMODEL\u003cbr\u003e1884\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModel 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 1884 rifles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber. The serial number is \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e#506515\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, which indicates production in approximately \u003cstrong\u003eFebruary 1891\u003c\/strong\u003e, per U.S. Government records. This technically makes it a model 1888 according to some sources, as the rifle has all of the gradual \"updates\" that were made to the original design. The stock is in very good shape, and retains a faint original \"boxed\" inspection cartouche reading \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSWP 1890\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, a mismatch that is common due to how the calendar and fiscal years often do not match up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe metalwork on the rifle still shows years of cleaning, with the original blued finish now worn to a bright steel patina, with just a bit of oxidation in areas. The lock plate retains the finish at bit better, probably due to being protected over the years. The case hardening on the breech block and receiver has worn to a mottled patina, however there is still some of the original finish on the interior. The bore is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with strong lands and grooves. There are some areas of past fouling and oxidation present, as well as light wear to the lands, but overall it is well above average. The cleaning rod \/ bayonet is functional, with a worn finish and intact threads on the end, and the locking mechanism by the muzzle is fully functional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stock is in very good condition, and is still mostly proud over the lock plate, indicating that it has not been arsenal reconditioned over the years, though it definitely has worn down a bit in areas due to use and cleaning. It displays the lovely dark red-brown color of aged and oiled walnut, only achieved after decades. Another nice feature on this example is the butt stock tool compartment, which is covered by a rotating door on the butt plate. This was used to store the take down tool and stuck cartridge extractor. Unfortunately this compartment is empty, as we often see. There is also a small brass plaque on the top of the butt stock, marked with a \u003cstrong\u003e15\u003c\/strong\u003e, most likely a unit or rack number.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe both barrel bands are \u003cstrong\u003eU\u003c\/strong\u003e marked, and the butt plate tang is marked with the correct \u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e stamp. 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 \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. \/ SPRINGFIELD\u003c\/strong\u003e, manufactured at the \u003cem\u003eUnited States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield\u003c\/em\u003e, in Springfield, Massachusetts. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, though it is a bit sticky and the trigger has a good amount of play. The breech block opens correctly, locking closed when shut, and the cartridge extractor and ejector are present and fully functional, however we cannot guarantee they will work on actual brass. The rear sight is present and intact, though while the range is adjustable, the windage is correctly frozen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003eI\u003c\/strong\u003e on top; and a \u003cstrong\u003eV\u003c\/strong\u003e over a \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e over an Eagle's head over another\u003cstrong\u003e P\u003c\/strong\u003e on the left side just above the stock. The upper right corner of the Buffington sight leaf is marked \u003cstrong\u003eR\u003c\/strong\u003e to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great chance to pickup a very nice example of the United States last single shot rifle, ready to research and display!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1891\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .45-70 Government\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 32 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 52 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42614242476101,"sku":"ONJR25HGGM127","price":1295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25HGGM127__02.jpg?v=1743595854","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-model-1884-1888-round-rod-bayonet-rifle-made-in-1891-with-unit-marking-serial-506515","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}