Springfield Armory Trapdoor Model 1884 45-70 Govt Single Shot Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,011.00
LSB#: LSB260303LF005
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1884 US Trapdoor Infantry Rifle
Serial#: 453996
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 “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 1/2″
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned by the muzzle. The rear sight is a Model 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 1/4″ from the trigger to the rear end of the butt-plate. There are a few scratches and compression dents scattered throughout. There are a few chips and gouges. The cartouche and inspection marks are still clear. There are no structural cracks. Overall this stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, Color Case
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its original finish. The barrel is starting to patina to blue/brown. There are some light scratches scattered throughout. There is thinning bluing at the muzzle. The color case is still quite visible. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Very Good condition.
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: Cleaning rod.
Our Assessment: This Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Infantry Rifle is a strong antique U.S. martial single-shot rifle, manufactured in 1888 and chambered in .45-70 Government. It retains the classic late-Trapdoor infantry configuration, including the 32 1/2″ barrel, two barrel bands with nose cap, straight-wrist walnut stock, semi-crescent buttplate, pinned blade front sight, and Model 1884 Buffington rear sight. The markings are desirable and well-preserved, including the “U.S. Model 1884” breechblock marking, U.S. Springfield lockplate with eagle, V/P/eagle barrel proofs, U.S. buttplate marking, and clear receiver serialization. The clear 1889-dated cartouche is also a significant collector positive, even though the listed manufacture date is 1888.
Condition is notably better than many surviving Trapdoor rifles. The rifle retains about 75% of its original blue and case-colored finish, with the barrel beginning to age toward a blue-brown patina, light scattered scratches, and thinning at the muzzle. The color case remains quite visible, which is an attractive feature and adds to the rifle’s overall presentation. The screw heads are sharp, the markings are clear, and the original finish status supports collector confidence. The stock is also in Very Good condition, showing only scattered scratches, compression dents, chips, and gouges, with no structural cracks and with the cartouche and inspection marks still clear.
Mechanically, the rifle is reported to be functional, with the hammer holding at both full-cock and half-cock and the firing pin free, though it has not been test-fired. The bore is a strong point, rated 8/10, with bright metal, sharp rifling, and only stubborn fouling noted. The included cleaning rod adds useful completeness. Overall, this is a Very Good condition Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor Infantry Rifle with strong original finish, visible case color, excellent markings, a clear cartouche, functional mechanics, and a solid bore. Its value is supported by its originality and condition, with only minor deductions for patina development, muzzle thinning, scattered stock marks, and bore fouling. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! MF