U.S. Springfield M1884 Trapdoor Carbine .45-70 Single Shot Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,085.55
LSB#: WY250315WO003
Make: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield
Model: Model 1884 Trapdoor Carbine, Saddle ring
Serial Number: 452639
Year of Manufacture: 1889, April-June
Caliber: .45-70 (Black powder)
Action Type: Trapdoor, single shot
Markings: The rear of the breech is marked “452639”. The top of the action is marked “U.S Model 1884”. The lock plate is marked with a federal eagle and “U.S. Springfield”. The left side of the barrel is marked “VP P”. The right side of the barrel band is marked “U”. The heel of the buttplate is marked “US.”
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned into a barrel mounted base. The rear sight is a Buffington style rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a straight grip, barrel band, two lock plate screws, trigger guard mounted sling loop, saddle ring bar with saddle ring, and metal buttplate with a storage compartment. The buttplatemoderate impact marks throughout. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. There some small chips throughout. There is a crack at the saddle ring and front of the forend. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition for an antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is pronounced. There is moderate erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 6/10 for an antique.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors’ firearms.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains 70% of its metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. There is refinished over pitting in various spots. The action has moderate wear. The screw heads show moderate to heavy use. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as an antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle has a half-cock safety. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Original cleaning kit in stock.
Our Assessment: The U.S. Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor Carbine is a classic piece of American military history, representing the pinnacle of the “Trapdoor” breech-loading system that served from the Indian Wars through the Spanish-American War. Manufactured between April and June of 1889 at the Springfield Armory, this particular carbine was purpose-built for cavalry use, featuring the distinctive 22-inch barrel, saddle ring and bar, and Buffington rear sight for improved long-range accuracy. Chambered in .45-70 Government, it fired the heavy black powder cartridge that became synonymous with American frontier and military service in the late 19th century. This example remains in good overall condition for an antique arm. The metal surfaces retain about 70% of a refinished blue, with scuffs, scratches, and refinished-over pitting present throughout. The stock shows honest field wear with scattered compression marks, small chips, and cracks near the saddle ring and forend, but remains solid and complete with the original buttstock cleaning kit still present—a rare and desirable feature. The bore is gray with defined rifling and moderate erosion, rating 6 out of 10 by antique standards, which is typical for black powder military rifles of this period.
For collectors of U.S. military firearms, antique carbines, or enthusiasts of the American West, this Model 1884 Trapdoor Carbine offers a compelling opportunity. Its classic form, historical significance, and cavalry features like the saddle ring make it an iconic piece of American arms development. Whether displayed in a collection, appreciated for its frontier history, or carefully taken to the range with appropriate loads, this Springfield Trapdoor embodies a formative era in U.S. military and frontier history. -R.E.
