Springfield 1884 Trapdoor Carbine .45-70 Gov’t Single Shot Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1256
LSB#: 220117RW018
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1884 Carbine
Serial Number: 451462
Year of Manufacture: 1886 to 1889
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Single Shot Trapdoor Rifle
Markings: The top of the breechblock is marked “U .S / MODEL / 1884. The replacement side plate is marked with the Springfield Eagle and “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / 1873”. The left side of the barrel is marked with faded stampings that include “V”, “P”, an “eagle head” proof, and a second “P”. The top rear of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “451462”. The top of the buttplate behind the mounting screw is marked “U S”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 22 Inches
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a rectangular base set on the barrel. The rear sight is a Carbine Buffington sight marked “C” for Carbine at the top of the sight ladder. .
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth wood with a Carbine barrel band to protect the rear sight, sling bar with sling ring, and a sheet steel buttplate with sliding door for storage in the butt. The stock hardware shows scratches and light surface erosion. The wood shows a hairline surface crack at the front of the lock plate. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Several have damaged small areas of the surface wood. The LOP measures 13 1/2 from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stock rates in Very Good condition, as antique.
Type of Finish: Blued with Case Color Lock Plate and Breechblock
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is deep. There is light erosion in the bore with a freckling of more prominent erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle has lost its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, scratches, discoloration from oxidation and areas of surface erosion. Some of the screw heads show heavy use. The barrel shank markings are faded. Overall, this rifle rates in Good to Very Good condition, as Antique.
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, and Accessories: A Model 1882 shell extractor is stored in the butt.
Our Assessment: This Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor Carbine was built sometime between 1886 and 1889. Its serial number falls within the proper serial number range for a Model 1884 Carbine. The rifle uses a Carbine barrel band which is designed to protect the Carbine marked Buffington rear sight. The lock plate has been replaced (it normally would not be marked “1873”) but this is a true Model 1884 Carbine. The rifle has seen some use but still has markings that add to its history. This Model 1884 Springfield Trapdoor Carbine will make a nice addition to your Trapdoor collection. Good luck.