Author Topic: Springfield trapdoor M1884 Question  (Read 1074 times)

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Offline zipperzap

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Springfield trapdoor M1884 Question
« on: July 29, 2006, 02:54:38 PM »
I've got a question about this Springfield Trapdoor - M1884.

Anyone a Trapdoor collector?

The service activation cartouche is dated 1889.

I'm curious about that date in regards to the serial number - 4591xx - does anyone have a book that would give me the manufacture date for that serial number?









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Offline Ray Newman

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Re: Springfield trapdoor M1884 Question
« Reply #1 on: July 30, 2006, 12:50:56 PM »
Made between July - September 1889

Quarter production started w/ S/N 450282; ended w/ S/N 459533

"SWP" in the cartouche block indicates that Samuel W. Porter inspected the rifle in 1889. Porter was the Springfield Armory Master Armorer & chief inspector from 9/15/1879 - 6/18/1894.

Source:

Ernst & Waite, "The Trapdoor Springfield; the United States Springfield Sing-Shot Rifle, 1865-1893"
Bienfeld Publications, 1980
ISBN 0-917714-20-2

On line purchase thru Buffalo Arms:
http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/4,3222.htm

Also "Loading cartridges fro the Original .45-70 Springfield Rifle and Carbine"
www.the45-70book.com/B3/books_Reloading_Collectors_Info_Third_Edition.html

Some Tradoor sites:

http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/
http://www.trapdoors.com/

Log onto the below site & type in the complete serial number. It may give you some additional history on the firearm.

http://www.armscollectors.com/srs.htm

Be advised the information given is for individual serial numbers only! If your rifle S/N  falls between 2 serial numbers that say were issued to Indian Wars or Spanish American War units, don’t assume that your rifle saw such service. Again, the information provided is for individual rifles only!
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