Springfield 1884 trapdoor
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StrawHat
SWCA Member
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
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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I saw a very nice H&R Trapdoor “officers model” at my LGS the other day. Seemed well made and nicely finished.
BLACKHAWKNJ
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Yes, that is an M1888. The breechblocks are marked M1884.
deadin
US Veteran
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........
(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........
OP
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).
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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444 Magnum
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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!
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!
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deadin
US Veteran
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)
It is a legit M1875, just worn out with a few replacement parts. (Wiping rod, Tang sight, Hammer screw)
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StrawHat
SWCA Member
I have a Model 1866 that has been sporterized a bit.
Kevin
Kevin
Well made?
Yes, they are good looking, BUT, upon firing the 'trapdoor' has been known to fly open!
Yes, they are good looking, BUT, upon firing the 'trapdoor' has been known to fly open!
Inusuit
Member
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
Inusuit
Member
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.
OP
deadin
US Veteran
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..)
Inusuit
Member
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.
Ours has been modified, but still quite valuable because of its history. I can't help with the value of yours.
deadin
US Veteran
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.)
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.)
BLACKHAWKNJ
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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.
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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