Item:
ON7710A

Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1884 Round Rod Bayonet Rifle made in 1891 - Serial No 516399

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. This example has the breech block marking:

U.S.
MODEL
1884

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 very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber. Serial #516399 indicates manufacture in 1891, with a government inspector SWP / 1891 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 bit of light pitting in places. The butt plate is marked U.S., and both barrel bands are U marked. Additionally, there are rack markings on spine of the buttstock : 6 / F / 18 as well as on the right buttstock: G. CO /16. These rifles were extensively given to state and county governments after they were declared obsolete by the military.

Hardware is in solid condition, with no signs of structural issues. The bore is in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. The cleaning rod / bayonet is in good shape, with intact threads and a gray patina similar to the rest of the metalwork.

Another excellent and rarely seen feature on this example is the butt stock tool compartment, which is covered by a rotating door on the butt plate. We have had many Springfield Trapdoor rifles, but only some have had this feature. 

The stock is in good condition, with a nice color and no major issues. The stock does have small gouges, scratches and dings from service. The stock is still proud over the lock plate, so it does not appear to have been sanded or refinished at all. It has the look of a nice used stock that was well cared for.

Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, Buffington sight, sliding ramrod bayonet. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. SPRINGFIELD manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts.

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. A 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 I 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: 1891
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

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