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08-03-2023, 07:34 PM
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Springfield 1884 trapdoor
I just picked this one up.
It appears to have the experimental ram rod.
I know so much about these the receiver being case colored threw me off....lol
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08-03-2023, 08:01 PM
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This is my go to website for all things Trapdoor.
The U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Rifle Information Center
I believe yours has the experimental ramrod bayonet.
Enjoy the rifle and the web site.
Kevin
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Last edited by StrawHat; 08-03-2023 at 08:03 PM.
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08-03-2023, 08:39 PM
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I saw a very nice H&R Trapdoor “officers model” at my LGS the other day. Seemed well made and nicely finished.
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08-03-2023, 08:58 PM
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Nice rifle. I missed getting one years ago. Still kicking myself.
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08-04-2023, 09:07 AM
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Your rod bayonet looks like the standard Model 1888. The experimental rod bayonet was the triangular one from about 1880. Pictured below is the standard rod bayonet (top) and the triangular one (bottom).
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08-04-2023, 09:24 AM
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Yes, that is an M1888. The breechblocks are marked M1884.
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08-04-2023, 09:31 AM
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The 1888 models didn’t see much action, so it’s not uncommon to find them in great condition.
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08-04-2023, 10:47 AM
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I have a M1888 RBB and discovered that if you have installed a taller front sight for 100Yd shooting. you can't mount a bayonet... 
(I like to display my milsurps with their bayonets)
This all started a couple of years ago when I came into a batch of bayonets and decided that I needed rifles for them. It has gotten out of hand and I now have around 30 or so rifles with pointy things. One still needing a bayonet and several bayonets needing rifles........ 
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08-04-2023, 10:49 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by johngross
Your rod bayonet looks like the standard Model 1888. The experimental rod bayonet was the triangular one from about 1880. Pictured below is the standard rod bayonet (top) and the triangular one (bottom).
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Thanks definitely see the difference
How common is the round rod bayonet like mine.
Any other information you have on mine ?
The serial is 511252 so probably 1891 ?
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Last edited by weatherby; 08-04-2023 at 10:51 AM.
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08-04-2023, 11:46 AM
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Nice rifle OP.
There were several experimental attempts during this time period with the trapdoor rifle and the bayonets. This experimentation continued with the Krag rifles and bayonets at the turn of the century.
If you're going to collect these rifles, Flayderman's Guide is a good general source of information for early American firearms.
Model 1880 experimental with triangular ramrod-bayonet was serial numbered in the 154,000 to 158,000 range. A total of 1001 made. Inspector cartouche on these is 1881.
I've got one buried away some where.
Model 1884 experimental was a round ramrod bayonet with a fixed front sight cover. Total production of 1000 around serial number 320000 with cartouche 1885 or 1886.
Model 1888 standard issue (OP's) were made from 1889-1893. Total quantity around 65,000. Serial numbered in the 500000 to 565000 range. Thus the 1891 cartouche on the OP's rifle.
Don't look at these prices^^^ OP, they're for the 1884!  
Last edited by 444 Magnum; 08-04-2023 at 11:53 AM.
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08-04-2023, 08:37 PM
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Here's my "scarce" TD. It came off of a ranch in NE Washington and looks like it had a tough life. The guy I got it from remembers in the 1930's having this as something the kids played Cowboys and and Indians with.
It is a legit M1875, just worn out with a few replacement parts. (Wiping rod, Tang sight, Hammer screw)
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08-04-2023, 09:20 PM
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I have a Model 1866 that has been sporterized a bit.
Kevin
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08-05-2023, 07:36 AM
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Well made?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Baxter6551
I saw a very nice H&R Trapdoor “officers model” at my LGS the other day. Seemed well made and nicely finished.
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Yes, they are good looking, BUT, upon firing the 'trapdoor' has been known to fly open!
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08-05-2023, 10:42 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by deadin
Here's my "scarce" TD. It came off of a ranch in NE Washington and looks like it had a tough life. The guy I got it from remembers in the 1930's having this as something the kids played Cowboys and and Indians with.
It is a legit M1875, just worn out with a few replacement parts. (Wiping rod, Tang sight, Hammer screw)
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You probably already know this, you have what appears to be a desirable "Officer's Model Trapdoor." Even with the replacement parts, it is valuable as not many were made. Looks to me in reasonable condition.
Collectible Firearms for Serious Gun Collectors | Rock Island Auction
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08-05-2023, 10:47 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jake1945
Yes, they are good looking, BUT, upon firing the 'trapdoor' has been known to fly open!
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Is this unique to the H&R reproduction or to the originals? Upon firing, the heavy hammer and spring impede the "trapdoor" opening. I am interested if you have any documented examples of one flying open.
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08-05-2023, 06:20 PM
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Pretty nice first time out with it today.
Fired 2 sighters at 30 yards.
Ok Pretty centered.
Ok about 4" high.
Adjusted aimpoint and left happy.
Next time I'll stretch it out further
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08-05-2023, 08:54 PM
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Quote:
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You probably already know this, you have what appears to be a desirable "Officer's Model Trapdoor."
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I've pretty well confirmed it is an original, but I can't find any comparables as to how to value it. The only ones being offered or sold are minty and this one surely isn't...
(BTW: Production of the Model 1875 was around 485 or so..)
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08-06-2023, 08:55 AM
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The museum where I volunteer has one in the collection with fairly solid provenance that it belonged to Major Thomas T. Thornburgh. He was killed at the Milk Creek fight in Colorado in September 1879. On the same day, Utes killed agent Nathan Meeker and 10 of his while employees at the White River Agency.
Ours has been modified, but still quite valuable because of its history. I can't help with the value of yours.
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08-06-2023, 11:22 AM
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I have found that just who owned an OM difficult, if not impossible, to connect to a specific rifle.
I have a complete list from Springfield of the purchasers of these rifles, but the rifles are not serialized, so without family or unit history, the chain is broken.
My rifle came from near Fort Colville, so maybe someone stationed there? The ranch was settled by a pair of Swiss immigrants who could have picked it up anywhere on their travels West. (AFAIK, the decedents still own the ranch.)
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08-08-2023, 04:59 PM
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In his book "The Little War of Private Post" about his experiences in the Cuban Campaign of 1898 Charles Johnson Post mentions pulling guard duty with the rod bayonet of his M1888 extended.
The front sight hood is a nice accessory but they are a little fragile.
BP and lead bullets only for that old metal.
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08-08-2023, 07:47 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by deadin
I have found that just who owned an OM difficult, if not impossible, to connect to a specific rifle.
I have a complete list from Springfield of the purchasers of these rifles, but the rifles are not serialized, so without family or unit history, the chain is broken.
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For the alleged Thornburgh rifle, we have a fairly solid chain of possession from the individual who guided Thornburgh and Webb Hayes on a hunting trip in south central Wyoming prior to the Milk Creek Fight. Went from the guide to the collector who sold it to the museum. But as you suggest, oral history and family stories about an artifact are sometimes wide of the mark. We have half a dozen guns that supposedly belonged to the serial killer Tom Horn. Several were shipped after he was hanged in Cheyenne.
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08-08-2023, 09:30 PM
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The winners probably are Pancho Villa and Wells Fargo
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08-09-2023, 12:32 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Inusuit
Is this unique to the H&R reproduction or to the originals? Upon firing, the heavy hammer and spring impede the "trapdoor" opening. I am interested if you have any documented examples of one flying open.
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The early H&R repos had this problem, not the originals.
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08-09-2023, 12:08 PM
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I carried an M1888 up San Juan Hill in 1898.
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