Springfield U.S. Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle.

[drm3m]

Springfield U.S. Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle late serial number 561529 near the end of the production of the Trapdoors

This particular model of 1884 was also known as “Model 1888 US Trapdoor Rifle” or “Ramrod bayonet Model or Model 1889.

This was the last model of the Springfield Trapdoor long arms. manufactured between 1889-1893 Serial numbers ran from 500,000 to 565,000- Total 65000 were manufactured.

This particular rifle was manufactured in 1893 and is serial numbered 561529.

Left side of the stock opposite the lock plate Inspectors cartouche SWP (Samuel W. Porter) over 1893(clear)

Circle cartouche on the underside of pistol grip with a faint “P” in the center.

U.S. on butt plate tang, “33” stamped on the stock just forward of butt plate tang.

‘U.S. SPRINGFIELD” on the lock plate.

Left side of the barrel forward of the breech VP over Eagle over P.

Sling U.S. M1887, marked with "Rock Island Arsenal" and inspection stamp "E.H.S." for E.H. Schmitten Leather Goods, Rock Island.
The sling is marked "AEA”.






























A classic book about ‘The .45-70 Springfield’ written by Albert J. Frasca and Robert H. Hill in 1980----long out of print---I suspect.

The first photo in the book shows a photo of Erskine S. Allin---inventor of the “Allin System.”






I don't collect these Trapdoor rifles---it came with another purchase.

It would probably make a great shooter.

What is this Springfield Trapdoor rifle worth in Canada?

David

 

[green]

IIRC the three letters on US items were the inspector's initials at RIA the manufacturer.

 

[drm3m]

There is an AEA also stamped on the sling ---I thought that it might be an inspector's initials????



My understanding is---- this is a U.S. M1887 sling.
This model has the wider brass double claw hook on one end and a brass stud button on the other end. The sling is a single piece of leather approximately 71 inches long.



Markings;
“ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL”
” E.H.S,” (E.H. Schmitten Leather Goods, Rock Island, IL) as well as another stamp” AEA.”

 

[sail32]

For pricing have a look at " http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/classified.html ", and add shipping and GST. Antiques can be shipped to Canada.

 

[drm3m]

Thanks sail32.

I guess because of the late serial number on my rifle 561529 it is considered a Model 1888.
Only one on Al’s web site ---serial number 509191.

Price $1,795 U.S. Dollars + S/H.
It is a nice looking rifle with very clear stock markings---probably higher grade than mine.
M88 Rifle, SN509191

This is an M88 rifle that is about as good as they get!!! It has color case on the block and tang. It appears the rifle has not seen service. The cartouche and circled P are deep and sharp in the stock. The gun has strong blue and the stock has a few minor storage dings. The bore is pristine new and the muzzle is bright. There is no chipping around the hardware, so it appears the gun has never been apart. There are not many of these high grade trapdoors available!!! $1795 + S/H

http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/509191.html


I found some references to the M1887 sling.

A reproduction sling.

http://www.worldwarsupply.com/cart/Trapdoor-Sling


US MODEL 1887 KRAG SPRINGFIELD TRAPDOOR LEATHER SLING. Perfect copy of the Trapdoor sling. All leather with brass hardware and copper rivets. The sling measures 72" long and 1 3/16 wide. It is marked "ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL" with the inspectors stamp "EHS" just like the original was. We did a lot of research on this one to get it perfect. We worked with one of the worlds leading Trapdoor experts and actually purchased an original which we sent to the factory to get copied. Now you don\'t have to pay $150 like we did for the original. Again this is an exact copy of the original sling we purchased.


Shilorelics was offering one ----it has the initials near the button OB or GB instead of the AEA initials seen on my sling. Probably individual identification of one of the E.H. Schmitten workers.

http://www.shilohrelics.com/cgi-bin/Display_Item.asp?108816

David