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US Springfield model 1884 rifle

kass137
I have own a US Springfield model 1884 rifle for several years now. The serial number is 39332. Is there anyway that I can locate or obtain information as to who was this weapon assigned to prior to and during the Spanish American War? Since the weapon was located in Harlem, New York. Is it possible that it was assigned to a Black American soldier who fought in the Spanish American War?
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  • Spider7115
    Your rifle actually began life as a US Model 1873 manufactured in 1875. The Model 1884 breechblock was added later, either as an arsenal upgrade or by a private party.

    Francis Bannerman & Sons of NY City purchased literally thousands of surplus "Trapdoor" rifles and carbines from the federal government and sold them to the public through their Broadway store and mailorder catalogues. Your rifle may have come from them. The "Trapdoor" Springfield was also used extensively by the New York State militia.

    However, anything is possible and you may be able to find out what outfit, and sometimes what soldier, your rifle was issued to by contacting Springfield Research Service at http://usmartialarmscollector.com/. They have the most extensive records for "Trapdoor" Springfields although it's pretty much "hit or miss" due to poor record keeping back then.

    Good luck!
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  • nmyers
    The records of the Springfield Research Service are no longer available to the public. The current owner of the service will check his records for those folks who have membership in his organization.

    Neal
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  • Spider7115
    quote:Originally posted by nmyers
    The records of the Springfield Research Service are no longer available to the public. The current owner of the service will check his records for those folks who have membership in his organization.

    Neal


    Yeah, records used to be free online but too many unscrupulous sellers were creating phony letters of provenance under the Springfield Research letterhead. Membership is $35 per year but may be worth it to someone who has a real need or desire to research their firearm since there are no other sources of Springfield records that I'm aware of.
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