Clint Smith Springfield Armory Trapdoor Model 1884 45-70 Govt Rifle Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,017.00

LSB#: LSB260703CS027

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1884 US Trapdoor Infantry Rifle

Serial#: 419359

Year of Manufacture: 1888 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 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 faint and not legible anymore. There is a clear arsenal rack mark at the toe.

Barrel Length: 32 1/2″

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a base soldered to the barrel that acts as the bayonet lug. 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. This rifle has gone through arsenal refurbishment. There is moderate handling and use wear. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are cracks. Overall this stock is in Good to Very Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue, Color Case

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. The rifling is well defined. There is very light erosion and pitting scattered throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 25% of its original finish. The majority of the metal has worn to a brown patina with light corrosion staining. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Good to Very Good condition as Antique 

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: Signed ownership letter from Clint Smith, Bayonet.

Our Assessment: The Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Infantry Rifle is the final major evolution of the U.S. Army’s famous trapdoor rifle series, chambered in the iconic .45-70 Government cartridge. This 1888-produced example features the standard 32 1/2″ barrel, Buffington rear sight, and full-length military stock with bayonet lug, retaining the classic configuration adopted during the closing years of the Indian Wars. Accompanied by its bayonet and a signed ownership letter from renowned firearms instructor Clint Smith, this rifle combines military history with desirable modern provenance.

The Trapdoor Springfield traces its origins to the post-Civil War period, when the U.S. Army sought an economical means of converting from muzzleloading muskets to metallic-cartridge arms. Erskine Allin’s hinged breechblock system proved reliable and durable, leading to decades of service before being superseded by the Krag-Jørgensen in 1892. The Model 1884 introduced the sophisticated Buffington rear sight, widely regarded as one of the finest military iron sights of the 19th century, and represented the pinnacle of Trapdoor development. Rifles of this pattern saw service throughout the American frontier and remain among the most collectible U.S. military arms of the period.

This rifle remains in Good to Very Good antique condition, retaining approximately 25% of its original finish with the balance worn to a pleasing brown patina. The arsenal-refurbished stock shows honest military wear, scattered dents and scratches, and several cracks, while the bore remains semi-bright with well-defined rifling and light erosion, earning a 7/10 rating. Mechanically, the rifle functions correctly with a free firing pin and proper hammer engagement at both half and full cock. Combined with its included bayonet and signed Clint Smith ownership letter, this is an attractive and historically significant Trapdoor Springfield with excellent display and collector appeal. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF