Springfield Trapdoor M1884 to Massachusetts Militia. SOLD

Well Restored Trapdoor Springfield M1884 to Massachusetts Militia

Refinished in a high gloss black, some time ago, the restoration is showing signs of wear, on both the toe of the steel butt-plate and the area which comes into contact with a fitted socket bayonet.  The rifle measures 51.3/8″ in length.  The round blued barrel is 32.1/2″ long with a three groove bore.  Chambered in .45-70 with a lower flattened arch breech block, which is correct for anything from S/n 81,000 onwards.  This was done to strengthen the block.

The serial number is marked into the flat behind the breech opening and reads 323612.  The trapdoor block is also marked to top behind the hinge; “U.S. / MODEL / 1884”.  Just in front of the hinge the marking, “MASS” can clearly be seen marked on the front end of the breech block.  The lock plate on the side of the rifle is correct for the serial number in that it is the “Second type” with small shield in front of the Eagle. Beside the American Eagle is the marking, “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD”  Apart from those the lock is unmarked and is flat.

The barrel carries some more markings just in front of the breech block, upon the LH top quadrant of the exposed barrel and these are the View and Proof marks.  They read as follows, arranged one upon top of the other, ” V / P / eagles head / P”.  The rifle is fitted with a Buffington rear sight which is equipped with windage and elevation.  The Buffington is noteable as it is easy to see the drift compensation built into the elevation slide of the sight.  The Buffington has a total of five aiming points, three notches and two apertures.

All the metal-work on this fine Trapdoor has been refinished.   The barrel bands have the correct Springfield “U” marking on the RHS of the rifle.  The rifle still has a rear mount for the sling on the trigger guard.  Serrated trigger and thick steel butt-plate.  The butt-tang is marked up as follows; “U.S.  / 30/ M  1 ”  – Further research required.

 The walnut stock is devoid of any markings such as the usual inspectors cartouche or final “P” proof marks but the does seem to be a rack number in the side of the butt which reads “1 / 48”.  The stock is in good condition with no splits or cracks to weaken it.  The rifle carries the correct non-cupped butt cleaning rod and still retains the stacking swivel mounted with the forward sling swivel.  The rifle is in very good usable condition and is freshly London proofed.  It has a fine bore for a rifle of its vintage, so would make a good shooter but also, its restored looks might open up a role for the re-enactor.  Never-the-less, somebody will immediately recognise it for what it is, and what its best use would be.  It awaits its new “keeper”.

Stock No’  f 301

£ SOLD

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