U.S. Springfield “Trapdoor” Rifle Model 1884…..(F 1085)

Extremely Fine Late Trapdoor Model 1884 Rifle

Of standard military specification in .45-70 calibre.  Overall this full length Infantry rifle is 52″ long.  The round blued barrel is 32.1/2″ long.  The trigger Pull  is 13.1/2″ to centre.  Very good one-piece American Black Walnut stock with straight wrist and two barrel bands.  The butt is protected by a thick shaped steel butt-plate which is marked on the top tang “U.S”.

Flat lock plate flush with timber marked in front of the hammer with the American Eagle, clutching arrows and the larger shield with the later style of lettering, reading “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD” finished in an even low-shine blue, as is the hammer.  The serial number “466147” is marked at the rear of the action and indicates production in 1889.  This matches the date under the Master Armourers inspection mark on the reverse of the wrist, which reads in script “SWP / 1889”  The cartouche is boxed with rounded corners.  In the reference book by Joe Poyer and Craig Riesch the photo replicates the slightly deformed look of the “89” which I at first took to be damage but must be from the actual die used on all the rifles.

The breech block has the milled underside which was to reduce weight but also account for strengthening the block as the arched blocks were weaker. The top of the block is marked behind the hinge; “U.S. / MODEL / 1878”  The locking catch for the block is blued as the lockplate but one of the nicest most aesthetically pleasing aspects of this rifle, is the vivid case colour hardening hues on the block. These are usually long gone due to heat and cleaning. To compliment the vivid case colours the inside of the chamber is still blued as it was when it left the factory!  To find one like this is practically unheard of these days!  The block is of the later design the slot along each side of the receiver allows for gas escape in the event of a cartridge rupture.  This was early days for this kind of idea but it avoided the breech being blown open violently and injuring the user if such a case were to fail.  The barrel tang also shows strong case colours.

Behind the rear sights are numbers stamped into the crest of the barrel; “301   S A” meaning unknown.  Recognised markings to the LHS of the barrel are “V/P/eagles head.” and at the receiver barrel join an additional “P”  These are the barrel proof marks.  The rifle is fitted with the 1884 Buffington rear sights which has five different sighting notches, the top RHS being marked “R” for rifle.  The sights are graduated to 2000 yards and are equipped with windage adjustment at the rear.  Simple front sight on a block which doubles as a bayonet lug.

Nicely blued barrel which shows a few light scratches here and there with thinning at the muzzle from bayonet fitting.  Full length cleaning rod stored under barrel partially blued.  Sling swivels and piling hook.  High shine barrel bands with the open “U” Springfield mark retained by spring clips.  The trigger guard and tang are also nicely blued with a high degree of shine remaining.  Stock in good condition with a light smattering of military life dents and dings but nothing serious.  Behind the long tang of the trigger guard is an excellent circled script final proof and acceptance mark “P”.  The bore is in fabulous condition with sharp little used three groove rifling – real pleasure to study.  Overall this rifle has somehow survived in extremely good condition.  This 1884 would tick many boxes in any interested collector’s book to be either pride of a collection or a very effective shooter.  Yet to be UK proofed.

FAC Required  – Stock No’ F 1085

£ 2250.

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