Item Description
Original Item: Only One available. This is a 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:
MODEL
1884
Offered in good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, complete with original issue socket bayonet and scabbard marked U.S. Serial number is 301876 indicates manufacture in 1885, the second year of production for the model 1884. The changeover to the model 1884 was gradual, so this particular rifle has the Buffington adjustable sight and serrated trigger, but it still has the two part 1873 model trigger guard, and the standard 1873 ramrod. It also comes complete with an original 1873 socket bayonet and scabbard, both marked U.S.
From the characteristics of the rifle, we can conclude that it was sent back to Springfield Arsenal sometime after 1885 for a refit, possibly a major one. The stock on this example does not have any markings, but does not appear sanded down, having a 60 stamped just below the trigger guard. This would indicate that it is an arsenal replacement, issued after the stock was damaged.
More interesting however is the lock, which does not have any markings, and has an internal structure much more like the lock from the 1863 Rifled musket. It has been modified to add a 2nd half cock position, like Trapdoor lock. It also has the extremely sturdy hammer like those used on the early Trapdoor conversions such as the model 1870. The lock plate is flat, without an edge bevel, so it was most likely machined down to fit the Trapdoor stock. Why this is done, we do not know, however it may have been done at a local arsenal, and not a government one, so parts on hand were used.
The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. Metal finish is good, but there has definitely been some light corrosion on the metalwork, however the finish is still nice in most places. The bore is in excellent condition, with a bright finish and clear lands and grooves, so while it was in service for a long time, it was not actually fired much.
Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, Buffington sight, and standard ramrod. Lock is marked with an eagle and US SPRINGFIELD, manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts.
The included socket bayonet is solid and in great shape, but appears to have been reblued at some point. There is a clear U.S. stamp on the ricasso, and there are no major pitting issues. The scabbard is in similar condition, with a nice patina. The attached swivel frog is in good condition, having been painted black, and has a U.S. marked rosette on the hinge joint with the brass belt hook. The scabbard throat is also marked on top with JAN 1886 most likely from the McKeeny Patent for this component.
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 a great example of an arsenal serviced Springfield rifle with parts spanning two decades, complete with a bayonet and scabbard, ready to add to your collection.
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1885
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.
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.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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