Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1884 US Trapdoor Infantry Rifle
Serial Number: 205065
Year of Manufacture: 1882
Caliber: .45-70 Gov't.
Action Type: Single-Shot Forward Pivoting Breech-Block "Trapdoor" Rifle
Markings: The top of the breech-block is marked "US Model "1873" The rear end of the receiver's serialization is clear. The lock-plate is marked with the Great Seal of the United States (an eagle) and "U.S. / SPRINGFIELD". The left side of the barrel, just ahead of the receiver, is marked "V / P" and has an eagle's head. The top of the butt-plate is marked "US". The cartouche is semi clear and dates to 1882.
Barrel Length: 29.6"
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the barrel near the muzzle. The rear sight is a Model 1879 sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The original wood stock features a metal nose cap, a total of two barrel bands secured by springs, a lock-plate, a straight wrist, a straight comb and metal semi-crescent butt-plate. The LOP is 13 1/4" from the trigger to the rear end of the butt-plate. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are some light cracks near the left rear of the action. There is some light chipping at the rear of the lockplate. There are no major structural cracks. Overall this stock is in Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. The rifling is sharp. There is some light superficial erosion in the bore, mostly near the muzzle. In this writer's opinion this bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its original finish. There are some scattered scratches and light oxidation. There are some spots of bluing loss from cleaning of oxidation. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are generally clear, some inspection marks are poorly struck. Overall this rifle is in Fine condition as 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: A clearing rod is stored in the stock under the barrel.
Our Assessment: This Springfield Armory Trapdoor is a desirable variant of the classic U.S. martial single-shot rifle chambered in .45-70 Government, with features consistent with a cadet-style configuration, including the shorter 29.6" barrel, two-band stock, slightly thinner profile butt and plate, Model 1879 rear sight, and integral front blade near the muzzle. The clear U.S. Springfield lockplate marking, V/P/eagle barrel proofs, U.S. buttplate marking, and semi-clear 1882-dated cartouche give the rifle strong antique and U.S. military collector appeal.
Condition is Very Good overall, with significant remaining finish and a solid stock. The rifle retains approximately 70% of its original blue and case-colored finish, a strong bore and good mechanics. The included clearing rod also adds useful completeness. Overall, this is an appealing Springfield Trapdoor Cadet Rifle with strong bore condition, functional mechanics, visible martial markings, and a desirable configuration, a solid candidate for a Springfield collector or U.S. martial arms enthusiast. Please see our photos and good luck with your bids!
