Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1884 US Trapdoor Cadet Rifle

Serial#: 224267

Year of Manufacture: Oct. - Dec. 1883

Caliber: .45-70 Govt.

Action Type: Single-Shot Forward Pivoting Breech-Block “Trapdoor” Rifle

Markings: This rifle has “U.S. SPRINGFIELD” The American Eagle is on the side of the hammer plate. The breech block is marked, “U.S. MODEL 1873” The rear of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “224267”. The barrel bands are marked, “U” And the barrel is marked, “VP / P / I / PROPERTY OF STATE OF KANSAS”

Barrel Length: 29.5”

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a barelycorn blade pinned by the muzzle. The rear sight is a Buffington ladder which remains fully functional and has clear markings.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The wood stock features a metal nose cap with a cleaning rod, a total of two barrel bands secured by springs (the front band has two sling swivels fixed to the bottom), a lock-plate, a straight wrist, a sling swivel fixed to the front of the trigger guard, a straight comb and metal semi-crescent butt-plate. There are pressure dents, scratches, scuffs, and small chips throughout the stock. There are no cracks. The LOP is 13.5” from the trigger to the rear end of the butt-plate. The butt-plate has some light impact marks. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with worn rifling. There is moderate erosion and some spots of pitting. In this writer's opinion, this rifle rates a 7/10.

Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. There are scratches and nicks throughout. There is moderate patina throughout and the action has moderate wear. The screwheads are lightly tooled and remain serviceable. Overall, the rifle is in Very Good condition for a refinished 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: None

Our Assessment: The Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor Cadet Rifle was a shortened variant of the standard infantry model, designed specifically for use at military academies and state institutions where young cadets were trained in marksmanship and drill. Produced by Springfield Armory between 1884 and 1890, the cadet rifle featured a 29.5-inch barrel and retained the same powerful .45-70 Government chambering as its full-length counterpart. This particular example, manufactured in late 1883, is one of the earlier production cadet rifles and bears a highly desirable “PROPERTY OF STATE OF KANSAS” marking on the barrel, identifying it as one of the rifles issued to state-run militia schools or cadet training programs within Kansas during the late 19th century. This cadet rifle is fitted with a Buffington rear sight, one of the key upgrades introduced on the Model 1884 series, allowing for more precise windage and elevation adjustments than earlier models. The bore remains in decent antique condition with worn but visible rifling, light gray coloration, and moderate erosion, rating about 7/10 by black powder standards. The stock is solid and free of cracks, though it shows the expected pressure marks and minor wear of a rifle that likely saw extensive training use. The refinished metal retains about 40% of its blued appearance, blending nicely with the patina and honest service wear. The action remains fully functional, and the rifle overall presents as a well-maintained and historically significant piece.

For collectors of U.S. military arms or those with an interest in state militia and cadet training programs, this Kansas-marked Springfield Trapdoor Cadet rifle offers exceptional appeal. The cadet variants are scarcer than standard infantry models, and rifles with state property markings add a deeper layer of provenance and regional history. Whether added to a military rifle collection, displayed for its connection to Kansas' martial past, or appreciated for its robust design and enduring craftsmanship, this Trapdoor Cadet stands as a fine representative of American marksmanship training during the post-Civil War and Indian War era.