Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1884 Rifle with Standard Rod made in 1886 - Serial No 320458
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Original Item: Only One available. The U.S. breech loading Springfield "trapdoor" rifle was introduced in 1873 in .45-70 caliber. Basically it was the rifle the U.S. Army used to open the West and Springfield trapdoor carbines were used by Custer's Cavalry at the massacre at The Little Big Horn. This example has the breech block marking which is faint:
U.S.MODEL1884
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 very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber. Serial #320458 indicates manufacture in 1886, with a faint government inspector SWP / 1886 cartouche, indicating final inspection in the same year. Original metal finish has been worn to a nice gray patina with all proofs still present, and a some pitting in places, especially on the lock plate, which is quite worn. The butt plate is marked U.S., and both barrel bands are U marked.
The hardware is in solid condition, with no signs of structural issues. The bore is in good shape, with clear lands and grooves, and a mostly bright finish with a few light stains and some wear. The stock is in great shape, with the lovely red-brown color of aged oiled walnut. It has been sanded a bit, so it is even with the lock plate. It has the expected dents and scratches from a rifle that saw long service.
Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, Buffington sight, and standard cleaning rod. Lock is marked faintly with U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, indicating it was made at Springfield Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts. The rear sight is unfortunately missing the top adjustment.
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.
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1886
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
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 posses, 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. They are sold as collector’s items or as wall hangers. 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.
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