Springfield Armory Trapdoor Model 1884 45-70 Govt Single Shot Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,875.00
LSB#: LSB251204BS004
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1884 US Trapdoor Rifle
Serial#: 462702
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 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 clear and dates to 1889.
Barrel Length: 32.5″
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned by the muzzle. There is a pinned hood on the front sight. The rear sight is a Model 1884 Buffington sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The original 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 1/4″ from the trigger to the rear end of the butt-plate. There are light handling marks, scratches and compression dents scattered throughout. Overall, the stock is in Fine condition for an antique.
Type of Finish: Blue, Color Case
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates a 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks. There are a few spots of the oil black flaking on the trap and cam latch. Overall, the rifle is in Excellent condition for an Antique.
Mechanics: The firing pin is stuck, other than that 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: The Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle represents the final and most refined stage of the U.S. Army’s single shot service rifle lineage. Manufactured in 1889 and bearing serial number 462702, this rifle falls within late production of the .45-70 Government Trapdoor series, adopted during a transformative period of American expansion and frontier duty. The breechblock is correctly marked “U.S. Model 1884,” and the lockplate carries the Springfield eagle and “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD” marking. The left side of the barrel displays the proper V / P and eagle head proofs, the buttplate tang is marked “US,” and the stock cartouche is clear and dated to 1889, reinforcing its documented period of manufacture.
This rifle retains approximately 95 percent of its original finish, with strong blue remaining on the barrel and original color case tones visible on the breechblock. There are only light handling marks overall, with a few small areas of oil black flaking on the trap and cam latch. The original walnut stock with metal nose cap, two barrel bands secured by springs, straight wrist, and semi crescent buttplate shows scattered light scratches and compression marks consistent with careful storage. The wood remains solid with a clear cartouche and rates Fine for an antique. The 32 1/2 inch barrel is fitted with the correct pinned blade front sight with hood and the Model 1884 Buffington rear sight.
The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 9.5 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the forward pivoting breechblock action functions correctly. Chambered in .45-70 Government, adopted by the U.S. military in 1873, the Trapdoor rifle served through the Indian Wars and into the closing decades of the nineteenth century before being replaced by bolt action designs. As a high condition 1889 dated example retaining strong finish, clear markings, and an excellent bore, this Springfield Model 1884 stands as a distinguished and well preserved Antique era U.S. service rifle. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF