Make: Springfield Armory

Model: Custom Model 1884

Serial Number: 360620

Year of Manufacture: 1885

Caliber: .45-70 Government

Action Type: Single Shot Trapdoor Rifle

Barrel Length: 24"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a two-position folding beech-style sight dovetailed to the front of the barrel presenting either a blade or a beaded post inside a hood with a thicker post on top of the hood. The rear sight is a Model 1879 4th Form tangent ladder-style Rifle sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is a checkered walnut half-stock with nickel-plated pewter nosecap, straight grip, straight comb, steel carbine-style buttplate and smooth wood grip adapter installed behind the trigger guard. The stock has some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a couple of small cracks at the front of the lock and one in front of the rear lock-screw. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 13 3/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has been polished bright with some minor erosion. Overall, the stock is in Very Good-plus condition as Antique and not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color

Finish Originality: Most surfaces appear to have been cleaned/polished to white and treated with cold blue.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 5% of its metal finish. Exposed portions of the barrel and receiver appear to have been polished and treated with cold blue. There is strong blue on the interior of the receiver and breech-block. There is faint color on the lock with strong color on the inside face of the hammer. There is some scattered light erosion, most notable on the top of the breech block. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition as customized Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: Included is a brass tip clearing rod and the remains of a damaged beech sight.

Our Assessment: The 1875 Officer's Model was a remarkable fusion of military service heritage and fine sporting craftsmanship. Unlike the standard-issue rifles of the day, these were sold privately to U.S. Army officers, essentially hand-selected, deluxe versions of the Trapdoor Springfield with enhanced appointments. Fewer than 500 were made, but they are a prized collector piece with reproductions and custom examples made since the last of the originals were sold. This example was built on an 1885 receiver and clearly shows the influence of the genuine Officer's Models in its overall appearance. The rifle will display well and is an interesting example of a customized Springfield Trapdoor. Please see our photos and good luck!