Item:
ON9340

Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1884 Round Rod Bayonet Rifle - Dated 1892

Item Description

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.

In 1884 the integral Round Rod Bayonet was introduced, which could double as a cleaning rod,a development that met with very limited success. 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.

The Model 1884 round rod bayonet rifle was Springfield's third attempt at a rod bayonet system on a trapdoor rifle. They had used the triangular rod system on the Model 1880 and some Model 1882 rifles. The Model 1884 RRB rifle utilized a different, but no more reliable mechanism for retaining the rod. Because the small locking "fingers" are not clearly visible, the gun has been nicknamed "flatlatch."

Offered in excellent condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber. Serial #542075, overall near excellent metal finish with all proofs still present. The serial number indicates that it was built at Springfield in 1892.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are "U" marked. The rifle features an excellent un-sanded stock with visible SWP 1893 cartouche. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels, Buffington sight, sliding ramrod bayonet. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. SPRINGFIELD manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts.

Additional marks of interest include inspectors’ and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: 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. There is a wonderful number 7 impressed into the left side of the butt stock as well.

These guns may be found with an assortment of front sight covers; however this one has the standard third-type blade front sight.

Model 1884 and Model 1888 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 a mix of 1884 and 1888 rifles.

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre in the UK.

  • 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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