Make: Springfield Arsenal

Model: Model 1884 Trapdoor

Serial Number: 162941

Year of Manufacture: 1884

Caliber: .45-70

Action Type: Trapdoor, single shot breech loaded.

Markings: The rear of the breech is marked “162941”. The top of the action is marked “U.S Model 1884”. The lock plate is marked with a federal eagle and “U.S. Springfield” along with “T 27”. The left side of the barrel is marked “N.J”. The right side of the barrel band is marked “U”. The heel of the buttplate is marked “US 26.” The underside of the stock is marked, “13”. The canisters are matched to the rifle.

Barrel Length: 12”

Sights / Optics: There is a flip-up ladder with a triangular notch for sighting against the front screw of the canister cartridge.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a single piece cut down walnut with a barrel band, straight wrist, straight comb, and steel buttplate. There are scratches, pressure dents, and small chips throughout. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition for an antique.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The smooth bore is gray. There is light to moderate erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates 7/10.

Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors' firearms.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces along with shallow pitting and rust. The receiver still retains quite strong bluing despite this. The screw heads show moderate to heavy use. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as an Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle has a half-cock safety. 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: Three full steel line canisters, 10 brass line weights, 38 blank .45-70s cartridges, cleaning brush, three restringing dowels, and wooden crate.

Our Assessment: This Antique U.S. Coast Guard Ship-to-Ship Line Thrower, built on a Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor rifle action and dated 1884, is a remarkable piece of American maritime and military history. This rare configuration was used by the U.S. Coast Guard for shipboard line throwing, an essential tool for rescue operations, ship-to-ship transfers, and emergency towing setups. Modified from a standard Trapdoor rifle, this example features a cut-down 12-inch barrel and a smooth bore, specifically adapted to fire blank .45-70 cartridges that launched weighted lines instead of standard projectiles. The flip-up rear sight aligns with the canister’s front screw, aiding in trajectory guidance for effective deployment. These modified rifles were essential tools for naval and coast guard crews, where accuracy and reliability could mean the difference between life and death during maritime emergencies. This particular example retains many of its original Springfield Arsenal markings, including the federal eagle on the lock plate, and Model 1884 designation, all of which confirm its origin and conversion history. The smooth walnut stock is in very good condition for an antique, showing only expected signs of age such as minor dents, scratches, and small chips. The steel components retain about 40% of their original finish, with some shallow pitting and age-appropriate wear, while the receiver still shows a strong amount of bluing. Included with the rifle is a complete and matched accessory set, consisting of three original steel canisters, ten brass line weights, 38 blank .45-70 cartridges, restringing dowels, and a wooden crate—making this a rare, complete field-ready kit that would have served aboard U.S. Coast Guard vessels.

For collectors of antique military firearms, maritime equipment, or U.S. Coast Guard memorabilia, this Springfield Trapdoor Line Thrower is an exceptional and rare acquisition. Its utility, historical provenance, and complete accessory package make it a standout piece not only for display but also as a tangible representation of the innovation and adaptability of 19th- and early 20th-century American military engineering. Whether added to a collection, displayed in a maritime museum, or preserved as a unique historical artifact, this line thrower system is an extraordinary example of a purpose-built adaptation of one of America’s most iconic military rifles.