Springfield Model 1884

Andrew hall

Trying to find out value of rifle
Ser #549824
Also have Enfield model SMLE No 4 MK.1 (T)
Both in great shape

Andrew hall

This one was kept in Dad's garage for awhile and has grease and dirt built up on it. Beneath that, however, the gun is quite clean. The serial number appears to be 20120 and the initials VP are stamped into the top of the barrel. I have seen those same initials stamped into the barrel of a Springfield that is currently on a GB auction. The rod is a round one and fits perfectly. I will send the number off to the research service but would be interested in knowing what I've got in the meantime. Thanks. [img][/img]
[img][/img]
[img][/img]

rufe-snow

If none of our folks can help you, go to this site.

http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/

Spider7115

That serial number is far too low for a Model 1884. Check it again with a magnifying glass. Often, the last digit gets obscured by the breechblock repeatedly striking it.

The stock on the left side opposite the lock should also have initials in script with a year. The bottom of the stock behind the trigger guard should have a "P in a circle.

What kind of cleaning rod does it have? Is it slotted or does it have a pointed end like a philips screwdriver that pulls out and locks in position? That would be called a "ramrod bayonet". Closeup pics would be a big help.

Spider7115

I found your album. Let's take a closer look (see my comments below the pics):






It appears that you have a Model 1873 stock (smooth trigger, long wrist). If the breechblock is marked "Model 1884", it has been replaced. The rear "Buffington" sight is also from a Model 1884 yet your serial number indicates a Model 1873. I can't read the lockplate markings so please indicate exactly what they are.

I'm thinking this may be a "Bannerman Special". Bannerman's of New York bought thousands of "Trapdoor" parts from the government and put rifles and carbines together to sell to the public for $5-$10 each. This may be one of those as it's obviously a mixture of various models. By the way, I don't know how your pics got posted backwards - the lock is on the wrong side!

Andrew hall

Updated information:

Full serial # is 201201.
Stockplate plate has eagle emblem and U.S. Springfield
It is a slotted rod
The letter u is stamped on the right side of each (2) band
There is no visible stamp (cartouche?) on the wood stock or behind the trigger lock.

Updated photos: http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/b/2089071450614607536

Spider7115

Your receiver was made in 1883, obviously before the introduction of the Model 1884, and confirming that your breechblock and rear sight are of a later variation. Triggers were changed to serrated rather than smooth in 1883 but your stock appears to be from an earlier model. It should have the "SWP" (Samuel W. Porter) cartouche and the "P" underneath the stock. The lack of those markings indicates the stock has probably been sanded sometime in its life.

I still believe it's a "parts gun" made from various models but you can certainly contact Al Frasca, author & foremost authority on Trapdoors, at this website www.trapdoorcollector.com or by e-mail at afrasca@erinet.com

Andrew hall

From TrapdoorCollector.com --

Posted by Dick Hosmer on Tuesday, 20 November 2007, at 8:41 p.m., in response to: An 1884 or a collection of parts?, posted by Andrew Hall on Tuesday, 20 November 2007, at 8:23 p.m.

The "1884" dated block is a mismatch with the the serial number, as is the sight, if it is indeed the "Buffington" type; long and flat, with two knobs close together on the right side. Aside from that it sounds perfectly normal. The sights were routinely upgraded, and the block COULD be a legitimate replacement - or - given those two (and possibly other) issues, it could be a mess of parts. Only a close inspection by someone who knows what to look for would tell any more.

Spider7115

quote:Originally posted by Andrew hall
From TrapdoorCollector.com --

Posted by Dick Hosmer on Tuesday, 20 November 2007, at 8:41 p.m., in response to: An 1884 or a collection of parts?, posted by Andrew Hall on Tuesday, 20 November 2007, at 8:23 p.m.

The "1884" dated block is a mismatch with the the serial number, as is the sight, if it is indeed the "Buffington" type; long and flat, with two knobs close together on the right side. Aside from that it sounds perfectly normal. The sights were routinely upgraded, and the block COULD be a legitimate replacement - or - given those two (and possibly other) issues, it could be a mess of parts. Only a close inspection by someone who knows what to look for would tell any more.

I'm glad you got confirmation elsewhere. It's always a good idea to get a second opinion, particularly where antiques are concerned. The Springfield Trapdoor is arguably the most commonly found firearm with mismatched or replaced parts - sometimes at the government arsenal for upgrades, sometimes by companies like Bannerman's who built their own rifles and carbines from surplus parts, or sometimes just by individuals to replace worn out or missing parts. Carbines are commonly faked by using cut-down rifles. Some are very well done but you can usually see the filled ramrod channel in the forestock if it had been a rifle.

Thanks for sharing the information you received on the other website and have a very Happy Thanksgiving!