This is an excellent example of a U.S. Model 1884 Trapdoor rifle that was manufactured by the Springfield Armory in 1889. The rifle has a blue barrel, ramrod, barrel bands, receiver, lock plate, hammer, trigger guard and buttplate. The "low arch" breechblock and barrel tang are color casehardened. The black walnut stock is oil finished. The rifle has the late Buffington folding leaf rear sight adjustable for elevation and windage, lock with three-click tumbler and a grooved trigger. The lock plate is roll-stamped with the Springfield eagle and shield motif followed by "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" in two lines ahead of the hammer. The serial number, "470631" is stamped of the rear edge of the receiver. "U.S./MODEL/1884" is stamped in three lines on the top of the breechblock. "A" is stamped on the top of the barrel between the rear sight and the receiver and the Ordnance "V/P/Eagle Head/P" proof and inspection marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel. "R" (Rifle) is stamped on the top right side of the rear sight leaf. "US" is stamped on the top of the buttplate heel. The left side of the stock wrist is stamped with the "SWP/1889" Ordnance final inspection mark enclosed in a rectangle. An encircled script "P" proof mark is stamped on the underside of the stock behind the trigger guard finial. Manufactured from 1886-1891, the Model 1884 Springfield rifle served as the primary infantry weapon for National Guard units called into federal service during the Spanish American War and Philippine Insurrection and continued in service with National Guard and state militia units until WWI.

Excellent plus. The rifle retains 98% of the original blue and casehardened finish and shows only very limited storage wear. Nearly all of the blue finish is present on the barrel, barrel bands, receiver, lock plate, hammer and trigger guard. The only significant wear is on the buttplate where the blue has aged to a smooth silver-gray patina. The breechblock and tang have vivid case colors. All of the markings on the barrel, breechblock and lock plate are extremely crisp. The stock is near-perfect with un-handled "feathered" grain. The Ordnance final inspection mark and proof mark are extremely crisp. This is an outstanding example of a key primary U.S. martial arm.