Springfield Armory Trapdoor Model 1884 45-70 Govt Single Shot Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,050.00
LSB#: LSB260419DN054
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1884 US Trapdoor Infantry Rifle
Serial#: 465068
Year of Manufacture: 1889 Antique
Caliber: .45-70 Govt.
Action Type: Single-Shot Forward Pivoting Breech-Block “Trapdoor” Rifle
Markings: The top of the breech-block is marked “US Model 1884”. The rear end of the receiver’s serialization is faint but legible. 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 legible and marked 1889.
Barrel Length: 32 1/2″
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a base soldered to the barrel. The rear sight is a 1884 Buffington sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The wood stock features a metal nose cap, a total of two barrel bands secured by springs, a lock-plate, a straight wrist, a straight comb and metal semi-crescent butt-plate. The LOP is 13 1/2″ from the trigger to the rear end of the butt-plate. There are scratches and scuffs throughout. There are some light compression dents throughout. There are no major chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, Color Case
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is well defined. There is some very minor corrosion and pitting. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its original finish. There are light scratches and corrosion stains. There is thinning bluing at the muzzle. The color case on the block is muted but some color still shows. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: This rifle is in functional condition. The hammer holds full and half cock. The firing pin is free. 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: Sling
Our Assessment: This Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Infantry Rifle is a desirable antique U.S. military single-shot rifle manufactured in 1889 and chambered in .45-70 Government. It retains the classic late Trapdoor configuration with a 32 1/2″ barrel, forward-pivoting breechblock, Buffington rear sight, full-length military stock, two barrel bands, metal nose cap, and semi-crescent buttplate. The “US Model 1884” breechblock marking, Springfield eagle lockplate, “V / P” barrel proofs, “US” buttplate marking, and legible 1889 cartouche all contribute to its strong historical identity and collector appeal.
Condition is Very Good overall, with the rifle retaining about 90% of its original finish, which is quite strong for an antique service arm of this type. The metal shows light scratches, corrosion staining, and thinning blue at the muzzle, while the case color on the breechblock is muted but still partially visible. The markings are clear, and the lightly tooled screw heads remain serviceable. The full-length wood stock is also in Very Good condition, showing scratches, scuffs, and light compression dents throughout, but no major chips or cracks. The legible 1889 cartouche is a notable positive, as many surviving Trapdoors have lost or obscured inspection marks.
The bore is a standout feature, remaining bright with well-defined rifling and only very minor corrosion and pitting, rating 9/10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the rifle is functional, with the hammer holding at both full and half cock and the firing pin moving freely, though it has not been test fired. The included sling adds useful accessory value and complements the rifle’s military configuration. Overall, this is a clean and attractive Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor with strong original finish, a very good stock, excellent bore condition, clear markings, and solid antique U.S. military appeal. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF