US Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Carbine .45-70 22” Rifle Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,140.12

LSB#: LSB250927CP008

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1884 US Trapdoor Carbine

Serial#: 381735

Year of Manufacture: 1887 (Based on serial number, courtesy of Frasca and Hill) / 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 / 1884”. The rear of the receiver is marked, “381735”. The lock plate is marked, “U.S. SPRINGFIELD” with the U.S. Eagle.  There is a very faint “SWP” inspector cartouche on the left wrist of the stock. There are correct “V/P/Eagle Head/P proof marks stamped on the barrel near the chamber. There is a “U” mark on the barrel band. There is a “U.S.” marking on the top of the buttplate. 

Barrel Length: 22”

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned into a barrel mounted base. The rear sight is a Carbine-marked Buffington style rear sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is a single piece walnut with a barrel band, saddle ring and bar, straight wrist, straight comb, and steel buttplate with trapdoor. There are significant compression marks and scratches throughout. There is one small chip near the chamber and a small chip above the trigger guard. There are no major chips or cracks. The LOP is 13.25” from the trigger to the rear end of the butt-plate. Overall, the stock is in about Very Good condition as an antique.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with worn rifling. There is moderate erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 7/10.

Overall Condition: The rifle retains none of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows a mottled patina finish on the barrel and receiver. There is pitting and slight oxidation on the sideplate and hammer. The sideplate is missing one screw. There are scratches, nicks, and oxidization throughout. The screw heads range from sharp to tooled with serviceable slots and the markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Good Plus 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: None

Our Assessment: The Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor Carbine represents one of the final iterations of the U.S. Army’s long-serving black-powder single-shot system, marking the closing chapter of an era that stretched from the immediate post–Civil War years into the early 1890s. Carbines such as this were issued to mounted troops and frontier forces, offering a lighter, handier version of the standard infantry rifle while retaining the proven .45-70 Government chambering. Adopted in 1873, the .45-70 served the military for decades thanks to its dependable accuracy, deep penetration, and effectiveness across the varied terrain of the American West. The Model 1884’s notable advancement was the improved Buffington rear sight, designed for precise elevation and windage correction during a period when long-range volley fire still held tactical value.

This antique carbine shows the honest field wear expected from a working military arm of the late 19th century. The metal surfaces have aged to a uniform mottled patina with scattered oxidation and pitting, and while the sideplate is missing one screw, the markings—including the U.S. Springfield lockplate, “US / MODEL / 1884” breechblock stamp, correct proof marks, and U.S.-marked buttplate—remain legible. The walnut stock, though displaying extensive handling marks, a small chip near the chamber, and clear signs of service life, is structurally sound with a faint but desirable SWP inspector cartouche still visible on the wrist. The bore is mostly bright with worn rifling and moderate erosion, rating 7/10 for a black-powder carbine of this age.

Mechanically, the breechblock, lock, and trigger operate correctly, and the carbine-marked Buffington sight remains in place, further supporting the rifle’s authenticity. With its intact configuration, correct carbine features, and strong representation of frontier-era manufacture, this Model 1884 Trapdoor Carbine offers significant historical appeal. It stands as a compelling piece for collectors of U.S. martial arms, Indian Wars period equipment, and early .45-70 firearms. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid!

BF/MA