Original Item: Only One available. This is a very nice honest used 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 # 429975, which indicates production in approximately January 1889, per U.S. Government records. The stock is a bit worn down from use and possible arsenal reconditioning, so unfortunately the original inspection cartouche is completely worn away. Although it was produced after the "1888" pattern was introduced, it still features the standard ramrod, and not the "ramrod bayonet". The rifle has the model 1884 serrated trigger and "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. which could happen normally during the transitional period.

The rifle has overall good metal finish and all metal proofs still present, showing a worn oxidized gray patina on the metalwork from years of service and cleaning, with some evidence of past light peppering on the barrel. There is matte finish on the barrel as well as some of the hardware due to cleaning in the past, but we cannot see any major rust issues. The stock is lovely, showing the lovely red-brown color of aged and oiled walnut. It does look to have been arsenal reconditioned at some point, as the stock is even with or below the level of the lock plate. This removed some wood, especially around the wrist, which is why the inspection cartouches are mostly gone. There are no repairs or past major structural damage we can see any evidence of, just the usual wear from service.

The bore is in very good condition, showing crisp lands and grooves with a bright finish, which shows a bit of overall oxidation hazing. It definitely looks to have seen use, but was relatively well cared for. We do not see any major oxidation other damage, and would rate it at about a 8 out of 10.  The breech block has an intact freely moving firing pin and moves correctly, with the extractor still present and functional, though we have not tested it with real brass. The ejector in the bottom of the breech is present as well. The rear sight works well, with an easily adjustable range and windage, something we do not often see, however the bottom of the sliding leaf has broken off towards the bottom of the "triangle". The original cleaning rod has been polished bright by cleaning, but is still complete with the cleaning jag on the end.

The both barrel bands are U marked, and the butt plate tang is marked with the correct U.S. stamp. Metal finish is a nice aged patina, with a bit of light peppering in places, and a nice gray dark gray color. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, 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.

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 Buffington sight leaf is marked R to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.

This is an great opportunity to pick up a very nice 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.