Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this historic single-shot rifle for a penny-start auction; this is the U.S. Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor!
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SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: U.S. Springfield Armory
Model: 1884 Trapdoor
Serial: 420719
Date of Manufacture: 1888 (According to https://www.nps.gov/spar/learn/historyculture/u-s-springfield-trapdoor-production-serial-numbers.htm)
Caliber: .45-70 Govt.
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 32"
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Adjustable Buffington Rear
Stock/Grips: Single-Shot Trapdoor
Action: Single-Shot, Trapdoor Rifle
Markings: The block is clearly marked in three lines: U.S. / MODEL / 1884. The lock is marked with a {Spread-Winged Eagle} and in two lines: U.S. / SPRINGFIELD. The barrel shows the expected V / P / {Eagle Head} proof marks.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The conclusion of the American Civil War not only ended the direct military conflict between the United States and the Confederate States but also marked the end of the muzzleloading percussion rifle musket as the primary infantry weapon. The war demonstrated that the breechloading firearm, which used a self-contained metallic cartridge, had firmly established itself as the new dominant weapon of war. However, with the United States emerging victorious but burdened by a significant war debt, the government was faced with the challenge of modernizing its massive stockpile of muzzleloading percussion rifles, which, while outdated, were still usable. As the war was winding down, the Ordnance Department began exploring ways to convert these obsolete firearms into breechloading, cartridge-fed rifles, as they lacked the funds to purchase entirely new weapons. To this end, on September 19, 1865, Erskine S. Allin, Master Armorer at the Springfield Armory, was granted U.S. Patent #49,959 for his "Improvement in Breech-Loading Fire-Arms," which would become known as the Trapdoor system.
Model: 1884 Trapdoor
Serial: 420719
Date of Manufacture: 1888 (According to https://www.nps.gov/spar/learn/historyculture/u-s-springfield-trapdoor-production-serial-numbers.htm)
Caliber: .45-70 Govt.
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 32"
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Adjustable Buffington Rear
Stock/Grips: Single-Shot Trapdoor
Action: Single-Shot, Trapdoor Rifle
Markings: The block is clearly marked in three lines: U.S. / MODEL / 1884. The lock is marked with a {Spread-Winged Eagle} and in two lines: U.S. / SPRINGFIELD. The barrel shows the expected V / P / {Eagle Head} proof marks.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The conclusion of the American Civil War not only ended the direct military conflict between the United States and the Confederate States but also marked the end of the muzzleloading percussion rifle musket as the primary infantry weapon. The war demonstrated that the breechloading firearm, which used a self-contained metallic cartridge, had firmly established itself as the new dominant weapon of war. However, with the United States emerging victorious but burdened by a significant war debt, the government was faced with the challenge of modernizing its massive stockpile of muzzleloading percussion rifles, which, while outdated, were still usable. As the war was winding down, the Ordnance Department began exploring ways to convert these obsolete firearms into breechloading, cartridge-fed rifles, as they lacked the funds to purchase entirely new weapons. To this end, on September 19, 1865, Erskine S. Allin, Master Armorer at the Springfield Armory, was granted U.S. Patent #49,959 for his "Improvement in Breech-Loading Fire-Arms," which would become known as the Trapdoor system.
By 1884, the Model 1884 rifle emerged as the most refined version of the Trapdoor design. It represented the culmination of years of experimentation and refinement, having undergone nearly a decade of field trials. Although it was eventually replaced by the Model 1888 in 1889, the latter’s primary modification—a sliding ramrod bayonet—was not widely appreciated by field users. The Model 1884’s significant improvement was the Buffington rear sight, which allowed for precise adjustments for both windage and elevation. This model also marked the first instance of new breech block designations since the Model 1873, with “Model 1884” stamped on the block. Like earlier models, the new markings were applied only once existing stocks of 1873-marked breech blocks were exhausted, so early production 1884 rifles, made in 1886 and early 1887, often feature 1873-marked breech blocks.
The Model 1884 Trapdoor rifle remained a staple of the U.S. military from the end of the Indian Wars through the Spanish-American War, despite the adoption of the Model 1892 Krag rifle. Of all the various Trapdoor variants, the Model 1884 was the most produced and is considered the quintessential example of the "Trapdoor" rifle.
This particular example of the U.S. Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle, serial number 420719, was manufactured in 1888, the fouth year of Model 1884 production. The breech block is clearly marked with "U.S." / "MODEL" / "1884," while the lock features a spread-winged eagle and is stamped with "U.S." / "SPRINGFIELD." The barrel bears the standard proof marks: V / P / Eagle Head. This early production rifle is a fine example of the Model 1884 Trapdoor, embodying both the technical advancements and historical significance of this iconic U.S. military arm.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the PillarLock case, as pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
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Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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