US Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor Carbine 22″ .45-70 Rifle 1889 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,526.00
LSB#: LSB250731EK088
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1884 Trapdoor Rifle
Serial Number: 451096
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1889 April-June (per Springfield Armory records, this serial block falls near the end of Model 1884 production)
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Single-Shot Trapdoor Breechloading Rifle
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Markings: The lockplate is marked with the U.S. eagle and “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD.” The breechblock is stamped “U.S. / MODEL / 1884.” The receiver is serial numbered “451096.” The buttplate is marked “U.S.” The stock retains faint cartouches on the left wrist and behind the trigger guard, as well as additional inspector and rack marks.
Sights / Optics: The rifle is fitted with the standard Buffington rear sight, graduated for both range and windage adjustment, and a fixed blade front sight set on a short base integral to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a full-length walnut military stock with a straight grip and single-barreled band. It shows scattered dings, scrapes, and handling wear throughout, consistent with long service life. The inspector’s cartouche and firing proof are faint but visible. The wood remains structurally sound with no major cracks or repairs observed.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is light erosion visible in the grooves, but the rifling remains strong. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains approximately 35–40% of its original finish. The exposed surfaces have turned a deep plum-brown patina with areas of light oxidation and scattered freckling. The metal shows mild wear on high edges, and the buttplate shows heavier patina. The stock has darkened from age, and the fit remains tight to the action.
Mechanics: The action functions properly, locking and releasing as intended. The hammer holds full- and half-cock securely, and the breechblock operates smoothly. 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: None
Our Assessment:
The Springfield Model 1884 represents the pinnacle of the U.S. “Trapdoor” rifle series—refinements of the Allin conversion that had served the Army since the 1860s. Produced at Springfield Armory from 1884 through the late 1880s, it was the final service-standard .45-70 single-shot rifle before the Army adopted bolt-action repeaters. Its Buffington rear sight, a precise and innovative design for the time, allowed accurate fire out to 1,400 yards and reflected the U.S. Ordnance Department’s emphasis on long-range marksmanship.
The .45-70 Government cartridge, adopted in 1873, was America’s primary service round for nearly two decades. Launching a 405-grain bullet at roughly 1,300 fps, it offered reliable power and range in the field—from the Great Plains to overseas campaigns.
This example, serial 451096, was made near the conclusion of the Model 1884 production run, around 1889. Its honest patina and legible markings testify to its originality. Despite its age, the bore remains strong, suggesting it has seen relatively moderate use. The result is a classic Springfield Armory service rifle—an authentic artifact of America’s post–Indian Wars military era and one of the last of the “trapdoor” lineage.
We are no longer offering layaway. KF
