1884 Springfield

jjoswalt

Hello,

About 7 years ago I came across an 1884 - not knowing what it was at the time. I was hoping for some direction in identifying exactly what type it is. I have posted pics here: http://actualprogress.com/1884/1884 gallery/index.htm
The markings are as follows:
The s/n is 532141
Numbers above butt plate 22 62?
Circle P stamped on bottom of stock
Stamp on side of stock appears to be initials SWP 1891
There is an A on the barrel
There are four other characters on the barrel on the left side going up the barrell
There is the standard eagle and "Springfield" on the side
The ram rod is round and is clamped by two clamps pressing in on two rings indented in to the rod
There appears to be a perfectly small hole on the side of the stock or barrel support


Any assistance you can provide is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

John

Fatstrat

It appears to be a classic 1884 Model U.S. Springfield military rifle in 45-70 caliber. I have one also that I am the 5th generation of my family to own.
These were rifles used by the infantry and there were similiar,but shorter "carbines" for the Cavalry.
The SWB (same as mine) stamp is the inspectors mark. It should have a trapdoor on the buttplate that swivels sideways to reveal a compartment for 2 brass cleaning jags that will fit on the threaded end of the under barrel cleaning rod. There are websites devoted to these rifles that will offer much more detailed info.

rufe-snow

It appears that the rifle is the Model 1888. Also known as the ramrod-bayonet trapdoor. 65,000 were made between 1889 & 1893. Your s.n. falls right into the middle of the production range. Even though it's marked 1884 on the breech block, the folks in the government identified them as Model 1888's, go figure? "SWP" was probably a government inspector by the name of Sam Porter?

dcinffxva

As usual, Rufe-Snow is right on the money. Just wanted to add that it appears someone has built up the stock around the wrist area. Here is a picture of mine for comparison.

jjoswalt

Thank you very much to each of you!
Let me ask one more question - I don't want to part with it, but I don't have thousands of dollars to pay someone to restore it either. What can I do to mitigate any further deterioration, such as rusting, and how should I store / display the gun to properly protect it?

Spider7115

quote:Originally posted by dcinffxva
As usual, Rufe-Snow is right on the money. Just wanted to add that it appears someone has built up the stock around the wrist area. Here is a picture of mine for comparison.

No one has "built up" the stock area. That's a detachable pistol grip used for long-range shooting along with the hooded sight. SEE A CLOSEUP PICTURE OF ONE BELOW. The inspector's initials of "SWP" stand for US Government Inspector Samuel W. Porter and the date of 1891 is correct for the manufacture of your rifle. Although stamped "Model 1884", it is referred to as the "Model 1888" due to the ramrod bayonet. Previous Model 1884's used a traditional triangular bayonet.

There is no need to pay anyone for restoration. Simply use extra-fine steel wool soaked in gun oil to remove surface rust and keep your rifle well lubricated. Wipe it down with a clean, soft cloth. Clean the bore with a .45 caliber brush with nitro solvent and wipe with cleaning patches until clean. Then, use a light coating of gun oil on a patch to lube the bore. It is in its original military configuration and should keep quite well as-is.

Spider7115

By the way, if you look on the side of the stock opposite the "perfectly small hole", you may find that's the hole for the barrel band spring. They were usually drilled straight through the stock and the spring was inserted from the right side.