Springfield Trapdoor Carbine 1884 45-70 Govt Single Shot Rifle 1886 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1025

LSB#: 210321GK10

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1884 Trapdoor Carbine

Serial Number: 413372

Year of Manufacture: 1886

Caliber: .45-70 Gov’t

Action Type: Single-Shot Trapdoor Rifle

Markings: The top of the breechblock is marked “U .S / MODEL / 1884”. The right side plate is marked with a partial “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD”. The Eagle is not present. The left side of the barrel is marked with a “V”, “P”, an Eagle head proof and a second “P”. The top of the barrel is marked “A”. The top rear of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “413372”.

Barrel Length: 22″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a rectangular base set on the barrel. The rear sight is a “C”-marked Model 1884 Buffington version screwed into the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth wood with straight grip, straight comb, and compartment-style sheet steel buttplate (the compartment is empty). The forend is held with the 1890 issued carbine rear sight protector barrel band. There is a carbine sling bar on the left side of the stock below the receiver. There are scattered light nicks and compressions throughout the stock that are most notable on the right side near the grip. There is a more notable nick on the right side of the buttstock near the buttplate. There is a wood fill on the belly of the buttstock consistent with a previously installed swivel or stud. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate shows light surface oxidation throughout and has overall gone to a patina. Overall, the stock rates in Very Good condition, as refinished and/or replaced.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with well-defined rifling. There is some minor erosion throughout.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its current metal finish. The trigger guard assembly has partially gone to white. The protector barrel band has gone to a light patina. The barrel shows scattered light surface oxidation throughout along with scattered minor nicks throughout. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. With the exception of the American eagle on the right side plate, the markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition, as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has quarter and half-cock safety positions. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Model 1873 “Trapdoor” Springfield was the first standard-issue breech-loading rifle adopted by the United States Army and was one of the main service rifles of the U.S. Military until it was gradually replaced by the Springfield Model 1892 bolt-action rifle. George Custer’s troops were armed with them at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, and they were still used by secondary units during the Spanish-American war in 1898. This rifle is a Model 1884 Carbine produced in 1886. The .45-70 carbine was shorter, lighter, and its cartridge was slightly less powerful than its cousin, the .45-70 rifle, making it less burdensome for mounted troops. This refinished antique rifle is in Fine condition with 70% of its current finish remaining, a good bore, and strong mechanics. Good luck, and happy bidding!