Original Item: Only One available. This is a lovely honest used example of the classic Springfield trapdoor rifle, complete with an original bayonet in a U.S. scabbard with a fully intact belt frog. This was 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 condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 388324, which indicates production in approximately January 1888, per U.S. Government records. It features a standard ramrod, and was not later made in the the "1888" pattern, even though it was produced around the time it was introduced. Additionally, it does look to have been returned to arsenal for servicing at some point, as it is fitted with a Model 1879 sliding sight, not the "improved" Buffington long range sight, even though the lower barrel band does have the inlet for the latter. It also has an 1873 configuration stock, with the standard ramrod and two part trigger guard, though it does have the improved serrated trigger. Definitely some interesting history to this rifle!

The rifle has overall good metal finish and all metal proofs still present, still showing lots of the original blued finish on the barrel, which is also present on the breech block and hammer. It is definitely possible that it had the metal partly refinished at arsenal, however the markings in the metal are all still relatively crisp. The wood stock is in lovely condition, showing a great red-brown walnut color, as well as a good amount of figuring in the wood. There are the usual small dents and dings from service, but no major structural cracks or other catastrophic damage. The stock is still partly proud over the level of the lock plate, and there is still a "ghost" of the stock cartouche, so it has definitely seen some wear, but does not look to have been fully refinished at arsenal. Really a lovely honest used stock.

The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. There is some wear to the lands, as well as a bit of past fouling in the grooves, now cleaned away. This was a rifle that did see some level of service, but was well cared for by cleaning the bore after use. The breech block moves correctly, locking closed and with an intact firing pin, and the extractor is still present and functional, though we have not tested it with real brass. The model 1879 rear is in good shape, and looks to be complete, however the slider is somewhat stiff.

The both barrel bands are U marked, and the butt plate tang is marked with the correct U.S. stamp. Metal finish is very good, with lots of the original bluing on the barrel, while the receiver and lock plate show an aged patina. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, M1879 ladder sight, with standard ramrod. Lock is marked with a Federal Eagle to the left of U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, indicating that it was manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts.

A VERY faint 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 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 standard M1879 sliding sight leaf and the left side of the ramp are marked R to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.

The included bayonet is the classic 1873 style triangular socket bayonet marked U.S., which is in excellent condition, with virtually all of the original finish retained. It comes in its original steel scabbard in very good condition, which has a later pattern leather frog and swivel belt loop, with the rosette marked U.S.. It is marked on the front with ROCK ISLAND / ARSENAL, and overall the leather is in very good shape, showing the expected finish cracking due to age. The metal portion of the scabbard shows the original blued finish well, faded to plum in some areas.

This is a great opportunity to pick up a very good example of a classic U.S. issue firearm, complete with its original bayonet and scabbard. Ready to display!

Specifications (Rifle):-

Year of Manufacture: 1888
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 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.

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, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. 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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.