Springfield Armory Trapdoor Carbine Model 1884 45-70 Govt Rifle Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,700.00

LSB#: LSB260224HE058

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1884 US Trapdoor Carbine

Serial#: 380322

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 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 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 with 1st model front sight cover. The rear sight is a “C” marked Model 1884 Buffington sight. 

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: This stock is a one piece 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. There has been some light sanding and refinish work. The cartouche and inspector’s marks are gone. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are no structural cracks. Overall this stock rates in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is minor erosion and pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its original finish. Much of the finish has worn to brown patina with corrosion staining. There are scattered light scratches. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Very Good condition.  

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: Cleaning Kit

Our Assessment: This Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Carbine is a desirable original U.S. military antique, manufactured in 1887 and chambered in .45-70 Government. Although the breechblock is marked “U.S. Model 1873,” the serial range, production date, and configuration place it properly as an 1884-pattern carbine. Its 22″ barrel, carbine stock, trapdoor buttplate with cleaning rods, “C” marked Model 1884 Buffington rear sight, first-model front sight cover, and U.S. Springfield lockplate markings all contribute to strong martial and collector appeal. The lack of evidence that the stock is a cut-down rifle stock is especially important, as originality of carbine configuration is a major value factor on Trapdoor carbines.

Condition is strong overall for an antique service arm. The carbine retains about 50% of its original blue finish, with much of the balance aged to brown patina and showing corrosion staining, scattered light scratches, and normal service wear. The markings remain clear, and the screw heads are only lightly tooled and serviceable. The stock has seen light sanding and refinish work, which removed the cartouche and inspector marks, but it remains structurally sound with no cracks and is rated Very Good. The presence of scratches and compression dents is consistent with a military arm of this age, while the retained buttstock cleaning rods add useful completeness.

Mechanically, the action is reported to function correctly, though the carbine has not been test-fired and should be inspected and cleaned before any consideration of use. The bore is a respectable 7/10, with bright surfaces, sharp rifling, and minor erosion and pitting throughout, making it better than many surviving black powder-era military bores. Overall, this is a Very Good condition Springfield 1884 Trapdoor Carbine with desirable original carbine features, clear markings, functional mechanics, a serviceable bore, and included cleaning kit. Its value is moderated by the sanded/refinished stock, missing cartouche, corrosion staining, and bore wear, but it remains a very appealing antique U.S. martial carbine for a Springfield collector, Trapdoor enthusiast, or cavalry carbine buyer. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF