{"product_id":"original-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-model-1884-round-rod-bayonet-rifle-made-in-1891-serial-no-504614","title":"Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1884 Round Rod Bayonet Rifle made in 1891 - Serial No 504614","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003cbr\u003eMODEL\u003cbr\u003e1884\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModel 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in very good \"attic find\" condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber. The serial number is #\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e504614\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, which indicates production in approximately January 1891, per U.S. Government records. This technically makes it a model 1888 according to some sources. This rifle has all of the gradual \"updates\" that were made to the original design. The left side of the stock bears a partially legible government inspector \u003cb\u003eSWP \/ 1890 \u003c\/b\u003ecartouche, indicating stock inspection in the preceding year. Original metal finish is still good, with a lovely worn blued patina on most surfaces, and some areas of light corrosion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardware is in very good condition, with no signs of structural issues, and the original finish well retained. As it was stored in an attic for a long period, there is some minor rust peppering and surface corrosion to the muzzle end and ramrod bayonet. The bore is still in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish. There is just a bit of fouling and oxidation in areas. The cleaning rod \/ bayonet is in good shape, with intact threads, and surface oxidation in areas due to moisture exposure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stock is in very good condition, and is still mostly proud over the lock plate, indicating the stock has not been worn down or reconditioned. There are a few dents and small chips from service, but it's got a lovely red brown color and patina, only achieved from decades of use and cleaning and polishing. There are some stress cracks near the butt plate, most likely from moisture exposure. Another nice feature on this example is the butt stock tool compartment, which is covered by a rotating door on the butt plate. This was used to store the take down tool and stuck cartridge extractor. Unfortunately this compartment is empty.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCenter fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, \u003cb\u003eBuffington sight\u003c\/b\u003e, sliding ramrod bayonet. Lock is marked with an eagle and \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. \/ SPRINGFIELD\u003c\/strong\u003e indicating manufacture by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts. The lock is fully functional, and the cartridge extractor is intact and functional, though we have not tested it on spent brass. The rear sight is unfortunately currently frozen due to oxidation, but could most likely be freed up with some penetrating oil.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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. A very faint stylized \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003eI\u003c\/strong\u003e on top; and a \u003cstrong\u003eV\u003c\/strong\u003e over a \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e over an \u003cstrong\u003eEagle's head\u003c\/strong\u003e over another \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e on the left side just above the stock. The upper right corner of the Buffington sight leaf is marked \u003cstrong\u003eR\u003c\/strong\u003e to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great chance to pickup a very good \"attic fresh\" example of the United States last single shot rifle! Ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1891\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .45-70 Government\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 32 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 52 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40183333945413,"sku":"ON13134","price":1195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ON13134__01.jpg?v=1657319082","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-model-1884-round-rod-bayonet-rifle-made-in-1891-serial-no-504614","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}