SOLD - Minty Springfield M1884 Trapdoor Rifle

Description

12/10/21 - This is a minty example of a Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor rifle. The U.S. breech loading Springfield "trapdoor" rifle was introduced in 1873 in .45-70 caliber. Basically it was the rifle the U.S. Army used to open the West and Springfield trapdoor carbines were used by Custer's Cavalry at the massacre at The Little Big Horn. Model 1884 rifles saw service in the Spanish American War. The regular army was issued the new Krag rifles and the guard units received the trapdoor. There are a number of stereopticon pictures that show guard units armed with of 1884 rifles. In 1884 the integral Round Rod Bayonet was introduced, which could double as a cleaning rod,a development that met with very limited success. This one has the round rod bayonet and a rarely-seen tool compartment in the butt stock, accessed by rotating the cover on the butt plate. The gun has retained most of its finish with some minor scratches and handling marks around the muzzle and on the trigger guard. Some spotty discoloration on the hammer and rear barrel band. Spotty freckling on the side plate. Case hardening mostly intact on small parts. The stock is near-mint with very clear markings - military-proofed and dated 1891. The bore is mint.