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Item:
ONTC23PK28E

Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1884 Rifle with Standard Ram Rod made in 1890 - Serial 484928

Item Description

Original Item: Only One available. This is a lovely 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 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 # 499967, which indicates production in approximately April-May 1890, 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 after 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. It has the correct lower barrel band for the earlier style stock. 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, with a nice aged gray patina showing some areas of peppering. The markings on the metal are all crisp, and we see no signs of refinishing. The wood stock does show some wear from service, with the usual dents and small chunks missing, but no major structural cracks or other catastrophic damage. The stock is at or below the level of the lock plate, so the stock has definitely been worn down from cleaning and possible arsenal servicing. This is probably why the inspection cartouche on the left side is missing, and the overpressure proof is just a "ghost".

The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. There are some areas of light fouling and oxidation in the grooves, and there also is some wear to the lands, so this is a rifle that saw a good amount of use while in service. The breech block moves correctly, 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 VERY stiff and hard to move on the ladder.

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 gray patina present on most of the barrel and fittings, with no signs of refinishing as the markings are still clear. 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.

This is a great opportunity to pick up a very good example of a classic U.S. issue firearm showing only light wear from service. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1890
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.

  • 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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