Springfield Armory Trapdoor Model 1884 45-70 Govt Single Shot Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR; $1,350.00
LSB#: LSB250828LA018
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1884 US Trapdoor Rifle
Serial#: 448160
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 serial number “448160” is stamped just to the rear of the breechblock. 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 while there is an adjacent character at the top of the barrel stamped “P”. The left side of the forend is marked with Springfield Armory Master Armorer Samuel W. Porter’s (served in the position from 1879-1894) cartouche “SWP / 1889”. The bottom of the wrist is marked with a script “P” inside an oval.
Barrel Length: 32.5”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned by the muzzle. The rear sight is a Model 1884 Buffington rear sight which remains fully functional and has clear markings.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The wood stock features a metal nose cap, a total of two barrel bands secured by springs (the front band has two sling swivels fixed to the bottom), a lock-plate, a straight wrist, a sling swivel fixed to the front of the trigger guard, a straight comb and metal semi-crescent butt-plate. The stock has only a few scattered light handling marks, nicks, scuffs and compression marks throughout, typical of military rifles. The LOP is 13.5” from the trigger to the rear end of the butt-plate. The butt-plate has some light handling marks. Overall, stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some light erosion concentrated in the grooves. There is some light corrosion near the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10
Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The gun has some light handling marks, nicks, scuffs and scratches. The screwheads remain very sharp for its age. Overall, the rifle is in Very Good condition for an Antique.
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: None.
Our Assessment: Designed in 1863 by Erskine Allin, the Springfield Trapdoor rifle series would dominate the scene in American rifle culture for several decades. The rifle incorporated lessons learned during the Civil War and was chambered in powerful 45-70 rounds, referred to as “Government” or “Buffalo” rounds. The defining usage for the trapdoor was as one of the main weapons of the US Military during the Plains Indian Wars of the 1870s and 1880s. George Armstrong Custer’s 7th Cavalry was armed with 1873 Trapdoor rifles during their fateful stand at the Battle of Little Bighorn. The rifle would also see service in later conflicts, including the Spanish American War. Outside of military hands, this rifle is the true rifle that “Won the West” during the wild days of the frontier. One of the most notable users of the trapdoor was Buffalo Bill Cody, who owned a trapdoor he dubbed “Lucretia Borgia”. Lucretia served as his main bison hunting implement until it was broken on a trip with Grand Duke Alexi of Russia. This particular Trapdoor was a commercialized variant of the 1873 Trapdoor, much like the one used by Cody. Grab up this icon of American Firearm history today and experience the power, accuracy, and mystique that made it the trusted tool of so many in the days of the Wild West.
This example is a very clean original 1884 Infantry rifle. The numbers and stamping match. It’s serial number corresponds with the Samual Porter stamp on the stock to a manufacture date of 1889. This is a great find for the military collector of frontier era collector to add to their collection. Please review our photos and good luck on your bid! MF
