Springfield “Trapdoor” Model 1884 Rifle……………..SOLD

A Fine Condition M1884 Trapdoor Rifle with an early 4 digit serial number

Of standard manufacturing specifications for a U.S. Military Model 1884.  Chambered in the reliable .45-70 caliber Government Cartridge used by the army in the previous model 1873 weapon.  These rifles had their roots in the U.S. Civil War 1861 musket that was converted by government and known as the Allin 1865 Trapdoor conversion.  The concept was then developed into the .45 caliber rifle.  This is the second major model developed from that idea and know as the Model 1884.  The main difference being the addition of the Buffington rear sights.  These were sights which allowed the trooper to both adjust for elevation, and windage.

The serial number of this rifle is marked just behind the breech opening and is 9834.  This is a relatively low number considering we are looking at a quantity of about 22,400 completed weapons within the first full year of production.  This rifle has a lock date of  1873 as does the breech block.  We can then assume the modifications to the sights were carried out after 1884.  The rifle is 52″ in overall length.  The barrel is 32.5/8″ in length.  The trigger pull being 13.5/8″.  Underneath the barrel is a full length cleaning rod, which is threaded at one end and measures 35.5/8″   The cleaning rod has a cupped head and a swelling about 4.1/2″ from the tip, with a grove in, to clip into the stored position.

The flat faced lock is beautifully inlet flush into the stock, wood to metal fit is excellent.  It has a single large hammer, which is plain apart from the cross hatching on the thumb piece to aid grip.  The lock is marked with a fine American Eagle clutching crossed arrows,  the text beside it reads ” U.S. /  SPRINGFIELD  / 1873.”  Once the hammer is pulled back to the second position the breech release lever can be used to open the breech for loading.  The breech block is the deep arched type.  If the weapon was loaded the ejector would then do its job of hooking and ejecting the spent case.  the rifle would then be clear to load again.

Finish and condition all over is commensurate with its age.  A general fading to plum brown is developing within the original bluing and high edge wear lightens up the effect evenly.  There is no serious degradation by rust, the main loss being over the hammer but that is mild and to be expected.  The trigger guard still carries a good degree of its original blueing.  The trigger is grooved to aid grip.

The musket type steel butt-plate has a tang at the to which is clearly marked “U.S.”  On the other side to the lock are two screw heads neatly sunk into steel cup washers which hold the lock in place.  Adjacent and to the rear, is the Master Armourers’ cartouche which is partly removed but it looks to be the correct “Samuel W.Porter / 1884” .  In general the stock is in very good condition, it is a good colour and has a pleasing straight grain pattern on the butt.  Two correct sideways Springfield “U” marked bands help hold the barrel in place.  The front one has the sling swivel and stacking hooks installed under.  The bore is in fairly good condition with the normal light three groove rifling.

Stock No’  f 438

SOLD

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