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:

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.

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."

Model 1884 rifles saw service in the Spanish American War. The regular army was issued the new Springfield Krag–Jørgensen rifles and the guard units received the trapdoor. There are a number of stereopticon pictures that show guard units armed with of 1884 rifles, and in a wonderful stroke of good luck, we believe that this rifle may have been one of those!

Like many of these we see, after front line service, after the introduction of the Krag rifles, the Trapdoors were recalled to arsenal and distributed to the various state National guards and militias, a process which had already been underway prior to this with older guns that were still functionally sound, but required updating to the latest standard. This example, made in 1879, was recalled to arsenal and upgraded to the final version of the Trapdoor, and then was sent to a state unit. The spine is marked with rack number B / 24, and the right side with 71 / 94. All of these markings are well executed and stylized, exactly as they should be, and we believe that indicates it was sent to the 71st Regiment, New York Volunteers.

In the Spanish–American War, the 71st Regiment, New York Volunteers, were the first of twelve New York State regiments called to active service on May 10, 1898. The regiment entrained to Tampa on May 13, arriving on May 17. A week of confusion and quartermaster incompetence delayed their shipment to Cuba. The 71st was bivouacked along with the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, the "Rough Riders", in Tampa, who then stole a march on the 71st to steal their transport on the Tampa. The 71st's sea trip took two weeks. There were ten companies of the regiment, with 1,000 soldiers, organized into three battalions.

Arriving at Siboney, Cuba, on June 23, the 71st was brigaded with two regular regiments, the 6th and 16th Infantry Regiments in the First Brigade under Regular Army Brigadier General Hamilton S. Hawkins, as part of General Jacob Ford Kent's division, as part of the Fifth Corps under General Shafter. Although the 71st was regarded as one of the best National Guard regiments, it was equipped with obsolescent black powder rifles, which were Springfield Trapdoors. The unit almost saw action with the Rough Riders, but did not arrive in time and the battle was already over.

The regiment then took part in the Battle of Santiago, also known as the Battle of San Juan Hill. Initially the soldiers, many of whom were sick with Malaria and ill-adjusted to the hot weather, did not actively participate in the attack. Although many parts of the regiment had to be "Shoved" into action, Company F commander Captain Malcolm Rafferty and 3rd Battalion commander Major Frank Keck responded immediately, after which others followed their lead. The first American soldier to reach the crest of San Juan Hill was Lieutenant Herbert Hyde True of Company L of the 71st (in Keck's battalion). There is definitely some fantastic historical research potential in this rifle!

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber. The serial number is #116785, which indicates production in approximately November 1879, per U.S. Government records. The left side of the stock however bears a clear "boxed" government inspector SWP / 1891 cartouche, indicating that it was sent back to Springfield for servicing and updating to the most recent pattern of Springfield. Often after long service the rifles had seen little use, but much wear to the hardware and stocks.

The rifle was stripped down to a barreled receiver, and probably had almost all of the original parts replaced. It was fitted with a Buffington rear adjustable sight, ramrod bayonet, single piece trigger guard, updated breech block, and everything else. It even still retains the original front sight hood, which were produced in a wide variety of styles. This technically makes it a model 1888 according to some sources. 

The metalwork on the rifle still shows the original blued well, with just a bit of fading to plum in areas. There is just a bit of light peppering in areas, with no major oxidation issues we can see. There is also still strong original case hardening on the breech block, and also on some areas of the receiver. Really some lovely hardware on this rifle! The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. There is some fouling and oxidation on the "bottom" of the bore, probably from some moisture / water getting down the bore at some time. There also is some wear, so the rifle did see some level of service. The cleaning rod / bayonet is functional, with a worn finish, and intact threads on the end, and the locking mechanism by the muzzle is fully functional.

The stock is in very good condition, and is still fully proud over the lock plate, indicating the stock has not been worn down or reconditioned after it was updated. There is some overall wear and scattered denting from service, as expected on a rifle that did see actual use in service. It has a fantastic lovely dark red brown color with clear grain, only achieved after decades. 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. This example has a Springfield model 1879 Takedown tool inside, a nice treat.

The both barrel bands are U marked, and the butt plate tang is marked with the correct U.S. stamp. 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 at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts. The lock is fully functional, and the Buffington rear sight is complete and fully functional, with both range and windage easily adjustable. The breech block moves correctly, and the extractor is still present and functional, though we have not tested it with real brass. The firing pin is intact and moves freely.

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 A on top; and 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.

A great chance to pickup a very nice example of the United States last single shot rifle, one that could have been used at San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American War! Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1879 - updated 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 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.