Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1884 Carbine
Serial Number: 451096
Year of Manufacture: 1889
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Trapdoor Single Shot
Barrel Length: 22"
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is an M1884 Buffington Carbine sight fixed to the rear of the barrel.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth walnut with spring-clip secured barrel band, straight grip, straight comb, sling bar on the left with ring and steel buttplate with pivoting door over storage compartment for the included three-piece clearing rod and headless shell extractor. The stock has several scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches with some marks finished over. There are some short cracks and small losses at edges. The 1889 dated SWP and circle-P cartouches are shallow, but legible. The LOP measures 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly gone to a moderate-dark patina with wear at the heel and toe. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its metal finish. Strongest finish is on the receiver with some case color remaining on interior portions of the block. Other surfaces have mostly gone to a fairly uniform moderate patina. There are some scattered light marks. There is some scattered light surface oxidation with a band of more notable erosion across the top of the barrel in front of the forend. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included are a three-piece clearing rod and M1875 headless shell extractor stored in the stock.
Our Assessment: This U.S. Springfield Model 1884 Carbine, manufactured in 1889, is a nice example of the iconic single-shot service rifle that armed American soldiers during the latter half of the 19th century. Chambered in .45-70 Government, the Trapdoor Springfield was the standard-issue rifle of the U.S. Army from 1873 through the 1890s, seeing service during the Indian Wars, in frontier outposts, and with volunteer units through the Spanish-American War. The Model 1873 represents one of the most important transitional designs in American military small arms, bridging the gap between muzzleloaders and modern repeaters, with its hinged breechblock "trapdoor" mechanism and robust black powder chambering.
This rifle is of interest to collectors due to its configuration as a Carbine with proper features and markings. The only idiosyncrasy is the included M1875 headless case extractor which by this time was replaced the M1882 improvement, but still a nice accessory to include with the gun. As an antique firearm, this Springfield Trapdoor rifle holds tremendous appeal for collectors of U.S. military arms and enthusiasts of frontier-era weaponry. Whether for display, historical research, or careful shooting, this 1884 Carbine will add nicely to any collection missing the variant. Please see our photos and good luck!
