^Lot 976A Springfield 1884 Trapdoor Infantry Rifle

U.S. Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor Single Shot Infantry Cartridge Rifle, #427986, .45-70 CF cal., 26'' round barrel marked ''V/P/(eaglehead)/P'' at left breech, with block-blade front sight and long-range adjustable leaf rear; trapdoor marked ''U.S./Model/1884'' at hinge, flat steel lockplate marked ''(spread eagle)'' to left of ''U.S./Springfield'' in two lines, steel buttplate marked ''U.S.'' at top tang. Oil-finished hardwood fullstock with two steel barrel bands (one with stacking swivel), steel triggerguard with sling loop at front of bow, slotted button-tipped steel ramrod. Condition is good as cut down from original 32-5/8'' barrel length with stock correspondingly shortened, and partially disassembled (buttplate, rear sight, barrel bands and associated screws are loose but included); barrel, trapdoor, lockplate and hammer show a dark bluish-brown patina; triggerguard, buttplate and bands with rusting. Stock is sound as shortened, and with a mostly clear ''SWP/1888'' left-side inspector's cartouche and fancy ''P'' cartouche behind triggerguard, shows the normal marks of military use and presents well. Action is tight and crisp; bore is dark with visible rifling and should improve with cleaning. Est.: $350-$650. (Antique)