Springfield Trapdoor Carbine 1884 45-70 Govt Single Shot Rifle 1873 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1525
LSB#: 210427OF06
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1884 Trapdoor Carbine
Serial Number: 88865
Year of Manufacture: 1878
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 an eagle and “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD”. The left side of the barrel is marked with a “V”, “P”, an Eagle head proof and a second “P”. The top rear of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “88865”. The left side of the grip is marked with a cartouche.
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). There is a carbine sling bar on the left side of the stock below the receiver. The stock has scattered light nicks and dings throughout. There are a few more notable nicks on the right side of the butstock. There is a mended crack on the right side of the buttstock at the heel. There are no chips. 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 light patina. Overall, the stock rates in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued with Case Color Breech Block
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with well-defined rifling. There is some minor erosion scattered throughout.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its current metal finish. The barrel has gone to a light patina and there are small areas of the original finish near the front sight. The breech block and receiver have light surface oxidation throughout. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are fairly clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition.
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 1873. 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 antique rifle is in Good conditionMuch of its original finish is missing, but this is not surprising as this is one of the earliest in the production run, with a 5-digit serial number. The bore is in fairly good shape, and the mechanics are strong. Good luck, and happy bidding!