Here's what an unfired 1884 TD Looks like

texasmac · Post by **texasmac** » Fri Apr 04, 2025 9:51 pm

I recently mentioned this rifle in another thread & thought I share the photos for those that would like to see what an unfired 1884 TD looks like. Yes, although its 136 years old the rifle has never been fired with the possible exception of test firing by the factory. The fellow I purchased it from indicated it was one of several new TD’s found in a factory crate marked “Springfield”. It was still covered in cosmoline grease. After researching the subject, I found that Springfield built more than demand at the time and had a surplus when the next model (M88) was introduced with the sliding rod-bayonet. So, some crated rifles remained in storage and were never issued.

You won’t find a TD in better condition than this one. The entire rifle is perfect. All the metal and wood are like new. The case colors on the outside and inside of the block and on the tang are strong and bright. The bore is pristine. There are absolutely no dings or imperfections, even small ones, to be found. The Cartouche and stamps are perfect. The stock has not been sanded or refinished and the metal parts are below the stock surface with no indication the lock or trigger guard have ever been removed. It’s a rifle that a Trapdoor collector would be proud to have in their collection. It came with a bayonet, scabbard and some tools as displayed, all in excellent condition. The scabbard does not have any verdigris and rotates freely.

The Cartouche and stamps are deep, crisp and sharp. The different date on the breechblock (1873) vs. the Cartouche (1889) is correct since it’s well known that Springfield used older parts in the later years of production. Enjoy the photos.

Wayne