Springfield Armory Trapdoor Carbine Model 1884 45-70 Govt Single Shot Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,050.00
LSB#: LSB251109SM002
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1884 US Trapdoor Carbine
Serial#: 380643
Year of Manufacture: 1887 Antique
Caliber: .45-70 Govt.
Action Type: Single-Shot Forward Pivoting Breech-Block “Trapdoor” Carbine
Markings: The top of the breech-block is marked “US Model 1884” The rear end of the receiver’s serialization is clear. The lock-plate is marked with the Great Seal of the United States (an eagle) and “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD”. The left side of the barrel, just ahead of the receiver, is marked “V / P” and has an eagle’s head. The top of the butt-plate is marked “US”. The cartouche is no longer visible. The production date and features place it as an 1884 Model.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned by the muzzle. The rear sight is a Model 1884 Buffington sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: This stock is a one peice carbine stock with straight grip, straight comb, and trapdoor buttplate. There is no evidence that this is a cut down rifle stock. The cleaning rods are in the buttstock. The LOP is 13.5” from the trigger to the rear end of the butt-plate.The stock has been refinished at some point, leaving a few sanding marks and obliterating the cartouche. There is some oil darkening around the metal. There are scratches, dings, gouges and chips overall. There are a few cracks by the buttplate. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition for a refinished antique.
Type of Finish: Blue/ Patina
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright with distinct rifling. There is scattered pitting throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates a 6/10.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains about none of its metal finish. This rifle is largely worn to a brown patina. There is some pitting that has been scrubbed and left shiny spots. Overall, the rifle is in Good condition for an Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Carbine is an authentic example of the U.S. Army’s standard cavalry arm during the final decades of the Indian Wars. Produced in 1887, this antique carbine reflects the culmination of the Trapdoor system, incorporating the improved Model 1884 Buffington rear sight and other late features adopted after years of frontier service. Compact, utilitarian, and unmistakably martial in character, the Trapdoor carbine occupies a central place in late nineteenth century American military history, bridging the gap between muzzleloading arms and the coming era of repeating rifles.
Chambered in .45-70 Government, the rifle is paired with one of the most important U.S. military cartridges of the period, introduced in 1873 and used extensively across infantry and cavalry applications. The 22 inch barrel is fitted with a pinned blade front sight and the correct Buffington rear sight, offering the sophisticated elevation adjustments that distinguished the 1884 pattern. The one piece carbine stock features a straight grip and straight comb with a trapdoor buttplate housing the original cleaning rods, and there is no indication that this stock began life as a cut down rifle stock, an important point for collectors evaluating originality of configuration.
Condition reflects honest service and age, with the metal surfaces largely worn to a smooth brown patina and areas of scrubbed pitting that leave lighter spots visible. The bore is semi bright with distinct rifling, shows scattered pitting, and rates 6 out of 10. The stock has been refinished at some point, resulting in the loss of the cartouche and leaving sanding marks, oil darkening near the metal, scattered handling marks, and a few cracks at the buttplate, though it remains structurally sound and representative of a service used antique. The action functions correctly, and all major markings remain legible. This Model 1884 Trapdoor Carbine from Springfield Armory stands as a well preserved example of a classic U.S. cavalry arm with undeniable historical presence. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF
