Item:
ON10749

Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1884 Rifle with Standard Ram Rod made in 1887 - Serial 371240

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. However, it was not fitted to all model 1884s. 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 excellent condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 371240. The rifle has overall good metal finish and all metal proofs still present, with a nice worn blue patina. The serial number indicates production in 1887. It has a Buffington sight fitted, along with the correct lower barrel band. However, the stock is in the 1873 configuration, with the standard ramrod, smooth trigger, and two part trigger guard.

Most likely, it means that the trigger guard was swapped out at some point, probably due to damage, however there is no butt stock storage compartment, so it's possible that a left over 1873 stock was used for some reason. We see no evidence that this is not the original stock.

There are  small dents and scratches in the wood, but it still has a great color, with lots of grain. However, it has been sanded down a bit, as the lock plate is fully proud over the stock, and these were made to be slightly recessed. So, this rifle definitely saw long service. The bore shows clear lands and grooves, with a bright finish. There are just a few areas of light staining and wear.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. Metal finish is a nice aged blued color, with a bit of light peppering in places, especially on the top of the barrel. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, Buffington sight, with standard ramrod. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, indicating manufacture by Springfield Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts.

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 an excellent opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a classic U.S. issue firearm. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1887
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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