Springfield 1884 Trapdoor Cavalry Carbine 45-70 Govt 22″ Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,775.00
LSB#: LSB260625WM027
Make: Springfield
Model: 1884 Trapdoor Cavalry Carbine
Serial Number: 413884
Year of Manufacture: 1887 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 “1873”. 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 legible.
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a barleycorn blade pinned to a base soldered to the barrel. The rear sight is a 1879 Carbine rear sight screwed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one piece smooth walnut, banded forend, straight grip, straight comb, and semi crescent buttplate with trapdoor. There are no tools included. The LOP is 13 1/2″ from trigger to buttplate. The stock has been lightly refinished. There is light handling and use wear. There are scratches and compression dents scattered throughout. There is some minor iron staining. There is a small chip by the sling bar. There are small cracks around the lock plate. Overall this stock is in Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case color
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. The rifling is well defined. There is light erosion and fine pitting. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 15% of its original finish. The barrel and lock have worn to patina. The locking block still has good oil black. There are scratches and tool marks scattered throughout. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are legible. Overall this rifle is in Good condition as antique.
Mechanics: This rifle appears to be functional. The hammer holds half and full cock. The breech locks up tight. The firing pin is free. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The U.S. Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor Carbine represented one of the final refinements of the Army’s long-serving .45-70 single-shot cavalry arm. The compact 22″ carbine was intended for mounted troops and retained the characteristic sling bar and ring, trapdoor buttplate for cleaning equipment, and forward-hinged breechblock action. The Model 1884 introduced the Buffington rear sight and updated breechblock markings, although Trapdoors remained in service for many years and commonly underwent arsenal repair, rebuilding, and parts replacement. This 1888-produced example currently incorporates an earlier “U.S. Model 1873” breechblock and Model 1879 carbine rear sight, both of which may have been installed during service or arsenal work or subsequently outside military service.
This carbine retains about 15% of its original finish, with the barrel and lock largely worn to patina while the breechblock retains good dark oil-black finish. The lightly refinished walnut stock shows scattered scratches and compression dents, minor iron staining, a small chip near the sling bar, and small cracks around the lockplate but remains in Good condition overall. The semi-bright bore retains well-defined rifling with light erosion and fine pitting and rates 8/10. The hammer holds properly at full and half cock, the breechblock locks tightly, and the firing pin is free. With its correct carbine-length barrel, sling-bar stock, trapdoor buttplate, and assortment of period Trapdoor components, this is an interesting mixed-parts Springfield cavalry carbine representative of the rebuilding and parts interchange commonly encountered on these long-serving military arms. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF