Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle, .45-70 Govt., 32.5 in Barrel, 1886 Antique Single-Shot
This Springfield Armory trapdoor rifle is the Model 1884 variant, identified by its Buffington rear sight with ladder and windage knob. It was manufactured in 1886 and retains period-correct markings, including a breechblock stamped "U.S. MODEL 1884" and a lockplate marked "U.S. SPRINGFIELD 1873" with the U.S. eagle.
The barrel shows the "V P" over eagle head proof, the barrel bands are marked "U," and the stock is personalized with the incised name "O.W. HAINES." It features the standard rifle configuration with a 32.5-inch barrel and the correct cleaning rod.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Fouling: Severe Fouling - Extensive corrosion, pitting, or erosion.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: The bore and rifling are rough and would benefit from thorough cleaning.
What’s Included
- Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle chambered in .45-70 Govt.
- Standard cleaning rod
The Buffington rear sight definitively places this rifle as the Model 1884 configuration. Paired with the pinned blade front sight, it provides the pattern-correct sighting setup adopted in the mid-1880s. The action is the classic single-shot, trapdoor hinged-breech with an external hammer.
Manufacturer-applied markings are intact and consistent with 1880s production. The breechblock is stamped "U.S. MODEL 1884," and the lockplate reads "U.S. SPRINGFIELD 1873" with the U.S. eagle.
The barrel bears the "V P" over eagle head proof, and both barrel bands are marked "U."
The rifle follows the standard long rifle configuration with an approximately 32.5-inch barrel and a curved steel buttplate. It retains its standard cleaning rod, distinguishing it from the later rod-bayonet configuration of the Model 1888.
The walnut stock has an oil finish and a length of pull measuring 13.5 inches. Notably, the left side of the stock is personalized with the incised name "O.W. HAINES," adding documented character and provenance to this antique U.S.-made rifle.