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:

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 # 435638, which indicates production in approximately February 1889, per U.S. Government records. The left side of the stock bears a faint partial "boxed" government inspector SWP cartouche, however the year is not clear. It features a standard ramrod, and was not later made in the the "1888" pattern, even though it was produced after it was introduced. The rifle has overall very good metal finish and all metal proofs still present, with a nice aged blue finish showing just a bit of peppering. The markings on the metal are all crisp, and we see no signs of refinishing. There is even still some of the case hardening on the receiver and on the underside of the breech block. Just a great honest used example!

The rifle has the "improved" Buffington sight fitted, along with the correct lower barrel band. However, the stock is in the 1873 configuration, with the standard ramrod and two part trigger guard. This was made during the transitional period, so sometimes older configured trigger guards and stocks were used. Definitely some interesting history to this rifle!

The wood stock does show wear from service, with the usual dents and small chunks missing, but no major structural cracks or other catastrophic damage. The stock is now completely below the level of the lock pate, so the entire stock was most likely reconditioned at arsenal, which is why the cartouches are very faint or entirely missing. The wood has the lovely orange color of aged oiled walnut. The bore is in very good condition, showing crisp lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. There is just a bit of wear to the lands, and a few areas that show powder fouling and oxidation. The breech block moves correctly, and the extractor is still present and functional, though we have not tested it with real brass.

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, an aged plum patina present on most of the barrel and fittings, with areas still baring much of the original blued finish. There is also some of the original case hardened finish on the receiver and breech block, with the rest faded to a gray patina, and no signs of refinishing. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, fully functional Buffington 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.

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

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1889
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 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.