My First Trapdoor is Now a complete Model 1884

For anything related to Trapdoor era U.S. martial arms collecting.

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Hammer
Posts: 52
Joined: Sat Mar 30, 2024 2:50 am

My First Trapdoor is Now a complete Model 1884

Post by Hammer »

I’ve collected bolt action military surplus rifles that range from 1891 up through World War II, but this is my very first Springfield trapdoor rifle and I love it! I sincerely appreciate learning what I can about this amazing piece of American history.

From the online information I can find so far, it’s 434153 serial number says it was made in January or February 1889, which my understanding would make it a model 1884, but it has model 1873 on its side lock plate and on top of the breach as well. It does have the 1884 style rear peep hole site and the serrated trigger i’ve heard the Marines really liked!

Were trapdoor parts interchangeable between the model 1873 and 1884, or should this rifle have a 1884 side plate and 1884 dated breach? I believe the stock cartouche says 1889.
Last edited by Hammer on Fri Apr 12, 2024 11:16 pm, edited 8 times in total.
Hammer
Posts: 52
Joined: Sat Mar 30, 2024 2:50 am

Re: My Very First Trapdoor!

Post by Hammer »

Pictures to follow
Last edited by Hammer on Wed Apr 03, 2024 3:22 am, edited 1 time in total.
Hammer
Posts: 52
Joined: Sat Mar 30, 2024 2:50 am

Re: My Very First Trapdoor!

Post by Hammer »

IMG_4193.jpeg
IMG_4193.jpeg (47.37 KiB) Viewed 1554 times
Any idea what the ZZ below the script circle P represents?
Last edited by Hammer on Wed Apr 03, 2024 3:24 am, edited 4 times in total.
Hammer
Posts: 52
Joined: Sat Mar 30, 2024 2:50 am

Re: My Very First Trapdoor!

Post by Hammer »

IMG_4183.jpeg
IMG_4183.jpeg (21.64 KiB) Viewed 1553 times
Attachments
IMG_4195.jpeg
IMG_4195.jpeg (49.83 KiB) Viewed 1553 times
Last edited by Hammer on Sat Mar 30, 2024 3:18 am, edited 1 time in total.
Hammer
Posts: 52
Joined: Sat Mar 30, 2024 2:50 am

Re: My Very First Trapdoor!

Post by Hammer »

IMG_4192.jpeg
IMG_4192.jpeg (31.76 KiB) Viewed 1551 times
Is this a US Army unit stamp?
Last edited by Hammer on Wed Apr 03, 2024 2:31 am, edited 2 times in total.
Hammer
Posts: 52
Joined: Sat Mar 30, 2024 2:50 am

Re: My Very First Trapdoor!

Post by Hammer »

Cartouche 1888 or 1889, or 18??
Last edited by Hammer on Thu Apr 11, 2024 11:33 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Hammer
Posts: 52
Joined: Sat Mar 30, 2024 2:50 am

Re: My Very First Trapdoor!

Post by Hammer »

Took out some pictures, so I have room for other pictures on other posts
Last edited by Hammer on Wed Apr 03, 2024 3:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Hammer
Posts: 52
Joined: Sat Mar 30, 2024 2:50 am

Re: My Very First Trapdoor!

Post by Hammer »

Serrated trigger
Last edited by Hammer on Thu Apr 11, 2024 11:34 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Hammer
Posts: 52
Joined: Sat Mar 30, 2024 2:50 am

Re: My Very First Trapdoor!

Post by Hammer »

Bayonet
Last edited by Hammer on Wed Apr 03, 2024 2:33 am, edited 3 times in total.
Hammer
Posts: 52
Joined: Sat Mar 30, 2024 2:50 am

Re: My Very First Trapdoor - 1873 or 1884?

Post by Hammer »

No flap door in the butt plate and it has a bright bore and sharp lands and grooves.
Last edited by Hammer on Sat Mar 30, 2024 3:48 am, edited 1 time in total.
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