This U.S. Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor rifle was manufactured in 1886 and saw use in the all black 24th Infantry Regiment, better known as the "Buffalo Soldiers", as demonstrated by the included documentation. The regiment saw action in the American West, Spanish-American War, and Philippine-American War as well as later conflicts. The lock is marked with the eagle shield motif followed by "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" ahead of the hammer. The breech is the correct low arch variation marked "U.S/MODEL/1884". Pinned blade front sight and Buffington rear sight marked "R" on the upper right hand corner. The rear of the barrel is marked with the "V/P/eagle head/P" proof and inspector marks with an "A" on top. Blue finish with casehardened breechblock and upper tang. Three click tumbler, two-piece trigger guard and mounted with a full one-piece walnut stock with metal forend cap, two barrel bands, (both marked with a "U" on the right side), slotted button head cleaning rod and steel "U.S." marked buttplate without compartment. "SWP/1886" cartouche on the left wrist and circled script "P" and small stamped "M" on the underside behind the trigger guard. "88" is engraved on both sides of the butt stock

Fine The rifle retains 85% plus original blue finish showing some minor thinning (mostly on the receiver) and wear on the buttplate. The breech block and tang retain 70% of the vivid original case colors. The stock is good as refinished with various dings and marks, some scattered minor handling marks, and some noticeable pressure indentations near and above the cartouche. The stock shows an old repair at the wrist area, where it was broken in two and reglued. The repaired area extended up from the trigger to just behind the front edge of the comb. Mechanically excellent.