My First Trapdoor is Now a complete Model 1884

[John S.]

Congratulations!
Your rifle is documented by serial number as being associated with Company M, 3rd Texas Volunteer Infantry in 1898.
Only about 5% of trapdoors have any verifiable history, so that makes this a lot more interesting than one with no history at all.

I don't have time to research what the 3rd Texas did during the Spanish American War, perhaps not much, or perhaps they saw action, but that can be researched.

[Dick Hosmer]

Welcome - but be warned, they are addictive. Yes, there is a GREAT deal of interchangeability amongst models, and there are precious few true virgins. 1873 blocks did go past 1884, because they had tons on hand and used them up - into 1887, but not as far as 1889; so yes, you should have an 1884 block. The dated lock plates were gone well under 100000, but they do crop up as replacements. 1873 was the ONLY date applied by SA - all subsequent plates were undated. The "1883" and "1884" plates are Bannerman crap. Your thumb latch is wrong, but can be changed with the block. Does lower band have the groove on top to receive the sight ladder? Looks like no. Buttplate with the 'fancy' US is uncommon (came from one paricular musket contract) but does turn up occasionally. Hammer is also too early. In short, you have a 'parts gun', but one which is easily fixable. You will have fun prowling gun shows to find matching color pieces. Great news that you have some history - which could add impetus to the desire to make it right - but very carefully. Then there are those who say "don't touch it - everything is part of it's history." Your choice on that one - but all of the wrong parts could be saved in a little bag to put back if wanted.

[Hammer]

Thank you so much for this information in history! I was wondering if its breech block wasn’t original and didn’t know why it’s 1884 breach would have been changed out with an 1873 breach, unless the 1884 was in bad shape.

Where can I buy a correct model 1884 breech Block and side plate?

[Hammer]

Yes the lower barrel band does have the slot. I’m trying to post a pictures but they’re not coming through for some reason

[Hammer]

And I thought this hammer was the correct type because it has the circular hashmark on the top thumb area and not the rougher style from the 1873 version

[Dick Hosmer]

And I thought this hammer was the correct type because it has the circular hashmark on the top thumb area and not the rougher style from the 1873 version

That's true, but it appears to lack the angled lip below/behind the face (there are actually three basic hammer styles, not two). The hammer and lockplate could well be correct for each other, just not for that serial number. Your unit is less common, so you should get some boot in a lock trade.

[Hammer]

It’s just so cool to me that this rifle is connected to the Spanish American war with a volunteer unit, because my great great great uncle, also served in a volunteer inventory unit from Florida during the Spanish, American war, this would’ve been the type of rifle and bayonet. I imagine he would’ve used.

I’m trying to post a picture of the page of the book where his name is listed in the unit, and it’s not too large of a file, but for some reason it’s not allowing me to post pictures anymore???

[Hammer]

Dick - Classic Firearms and Parts has a Springfield manufactured Cam thumb latch assembly it lists as a late variation being modified on the thumb piece notch so as not to interfere with the spring loaded firing pins. They say this is the cam latch assembly for later model Springfield trapdoors.
Would this be the correct cam latch assembly for my model 1884?

[Dick Hosmer]

Dick - Classic Firearms and Parts has a Springfield manufactured Cam thumb latch assembly it lists as a late variation being modified on the thumb piece notch so as not to interfere with the spring loaded firing pins. They say this is the cam latch assembly for later model Springfield trapdoors.
Would this be the correct cam latch assembly for my model 1884?

I have never heard of "Classic Firearms and Parts", so cannot comment on their understanding or accuracy of descriptions of TD parts. but all of the changes involving the clearance cut for the firing pin were done LONG before your rifle. The latch you want has a sort of domed appearance where the shaft was peened over the lever. The very earliest were polished completely flat, then, kinda flushed off but not polished (what you have) then the domed look, which is what you need. There is no (legit) 1884 plate (I think you confused Chris) you just want one with no date. OR, you can leave it as is - as was described above - but - yours does NOT have a replacement stock, so we're not talking oranges and oranges. It CAN be confusing and nobody can say for sure how/why a certain rifle which SEEMS to have some "issues" got that way. MAYBE it is 100% legit - I don't think so, but cannot prove it one way or the other. Whatever you do, enjoy it!! And, as I said, none of your moves would be irreversible.

[carlsr]

Thank you so much for this information in history! I was wondering if its breech block wasn’t original and didn’t know why it’s 1884 breach would have been changed out with an 1873 breach, unless the 1884 was in bad shape.

Where can I buy a correct model 1884 breech Block and side plate?

You can look here for correct parts for your rifle https://www.ssfirearms.com
Click on the parts tab ,then rifle, then trapdoor, then 1873-1889. That will take you to all parts for your rifle. If you have questions about the correct part they have a number that you can call.
Also you can watch on eBay as many parts are also available there.
There’s also Lodgewood and regimental quartermaster.
Should you be located near Allentown PA. There’s the Allentown antique gun show which is held several times throughout the year. There is a vendor who is there most shows other than the August and December show who sells TD parts.