Make: Springfield Armory

Model: Model 1884 Carbine

Serial Number: 414349

Year of Manufacture: 1888 (C&R)

Caliber: .45-70 Government

Action Type: Lever-Action, Breech-Loading, Trapdoor

Markings: The top of the breechblock is marked “U.S. / MODEL / 1884.” The rear of the lockplate is marked with the federal eagle and “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD.” The left side of the barrel, near the breech, is marked with a “V / P / eaglehead” proof. The top of the receiver is marked with serial number “414349.” The buttplate tang is marked “U.S.”

Barrel Length: 22”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded blade pinned in a base. The rear sight is a Model 1884 Buffington sight adjustable for windage and elevation with a sliding aperture on a graduated ramp and a flip-up ladder. The ladder has elevation markings from 1 to 20. The base has a windage dial.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a single-piece walnut carbine stock with a straight wrist, single barrel band, sling bar and ring, and carbine-style buttplate with sliding trapdoor with a cleaning kit inside. The LOP measures 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock shows light scattered compressions, nicks, scuffs, and scratches throughout. There are no visible cracks. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: N/A

Type of Finish: Blued barrel and case-hardened breechblock and lockplate

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright, the rifling is well defined. There is light visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning throughout the barrel, gray patina on the breechblock, receiver, and lockplate, along with mild oxidation and light surface freckling. There is scattered handling wear and some scattered nicks and scuffs. The screw heads are lightly tooled with serviceable slots. The pins are clean. The markings are legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good to Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: None

Our Assessment: The Springfield Model 1884 was the final and most refined version of the Trapdoor Springfield series, which served as the backbone of the U.S. military’s infantry armament following the Civil War until the adoption of the Krag-Jørgensen. This particular example is a true cavalry carbine variant, correctly fitted with the 22” barrel, single barrel band, and saddle ring bar, and it retains its Buffington rear sight, which was a notable upgrade in this model.

This carbine, serial number 414349, was manufactured in 1888 and remains in solid collectible condition with good bore quality, an intact cartouche, and strong mechanical function. With its short barrel and lighter configuration, the Model 1884 Carbine saw widespread use with U.S. cavalry units on the frontier during the Indian Wars period.

Whether you are a collector of Indian Wars-era firearms, a student of U.S. military history, or simply appreciate the elegant simplicity of 19th-century single-shot arms, this Springfield Trapdoor carbine offers both historical charm and practical preservation.