Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1884 .45-70 Government saddle ring carbine, serial number 408998, assembled with several earlier pattern components and a rifle stock that was modified into carbine configuration. It retains an early Model 1873 marked high arch breech block, early 1873 dated lock, stepped Model 1873 pattern carbine rear sight, saddle ring and bar, and a faint SWP / 1884 stock cartouche.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The receiver is serial numbered:

408998

which the supplied production information places in approximately April 1888 manufacture.

The carbine has clearly undergone period or later service modification and component replacement. The breech block is an early high arch Model 1873 type marked:

MODEL
1873
(EAGLE)
(CROSSED ARROWS)
U.S.

This elaborate early marking was later simplified on subsequent production, and later breech blocks also changed in underside profile.

The lock is likewise an early pattern and is marked with a Federal Eagle to the left of:

U.S.
SPRINGFIELD
1873

The lock retains the early two notch tumbler configuration rather than the later three notch pattern. It was found that the hammer could potentially slip out from the thumb and hit the firing pin while moving to half cock, which is why it was replaced with the "three notch" tumbler shortly after production started.

The rear sight is an early stepped Model 1873 pattern carbine sight. The base has elevation steps numbered 1 through 5 for 100 to 500 years, while the raised leaf is graduated to 12 for 1,200 yards.

The stock is not an original purpose made carbine stock. It has been modified from a rifle stock by grafting on a shortened forward section, with the glue joint concealed beneath the barrel band when assembled. Inspection beneath the trigger guard reveals seven holes rather than the six expected on a standard carbine stock, further supporting its rifle stock origin. The barrel band is also fitted with a stacking swivel, which is a very early appointment later dropped.

The stock also lacks a butt stock storage compartment, giving the assembled carbine the general external appearance of an earlier configuration despite its later receiver.

A faint boxed cartouche on the left side of the stock reads:

SWP / 1884

The elegant SWP initials are associated with Samuel W. Porter, who served as the Master Armorer and Chief Inspector of Springfield Armory from 15 September 1879 to 18 June 1894.

A faint circled P proof mark is also present beneath the wrist, which indicates that the rifle the stock was originally fitted to passed all of its overpressure proof testing.

The 1884 stock cartouche predates the approximately 1888 receiver, supporting the conclusion that the stock was exchanged at some point. The early breech block and lock are likewise replacement components relative to the receiver.

The stock remains in very good condition with an attractive red brown color. The forward splice is effectively hidden by the barrel band when assembled. There is some cracking and an old repair in the area of the lower saddle bar fitting.

The lock plate stands noticeably proud of the surrounding wood, indicating substantial wear or loss of stock surface around the lock mortise over time.

The saddle ring and sliding bar remain present. The single front barrel band is marked:

U

The buttplate is marked:

U.S.

with an additional:

50

stamped beneath it.

Additional inspection and proof markings remain visible around the breech end of the barrel. These include an A over the chamber and, on the left side above the stock line:

V
P
(EAGLE HEAD)
P

The metalwork is in very good condition overall. Most of the original blue finish has faded to a gray patina, while some original case color remains visible on the underside of the breech block.

When operated by hand, the breech block opens, closes, and latches correctly. The firing pin remains present and moves freely. The extractor and ejector are also present and move through their normal range, although they have not been tested with cartridge brass.

The bore is in very good condition for its age, remaining mostly bright with clearly defined lands and grooves. There is visible wear together with evidence of old fouling and oxidation that has since been cleaned. The supplied evaluation rates the bore approximately 7 to 8 out of 10.

With its serial number 408998 receiver, early Model 1873 high arch breech block, 1873 dated lock, early stepped carbine rear sight, saddle ring and bar, SWP / 1884 stock cartouche, modified rifle stock, and strong bore, this is a particularly interesting Springfield Trapdoor carbine assembled from components spanning several stages of production. The replacement early components, modified rifle stock, stock repair near the saddle bar, worn lock mortise, faded finish, and cleaned bore oxidation are all fully disclosed. It would display especially well in a Springfield Trapdoor, U.S. cavalry carbine, armory rebuild and modification, .45-70 Government, or advanced 19th century U.S. military firearms collection.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1888 - Modified Later
Maker: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield
Model: 1844 Trapdoor Carbine
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Overall Length: 41 Inches
Action type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.
Feed System: Single Shot
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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.

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 possess, 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, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. 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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.