Lot 3045

Scarce U.S. Springfield 1881 Forager Trapdoor Shotgun with Belt

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Scarce U.S. Springfield 1881 Forager Trapdoor Shotgun with Belt

Estimate: $1,800 - $2,750

Starting Bid: $1,600

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Scarce U.S. Springfield Model 1881 Forager Trapdoor Shotgun with Cartridge Belt Only 1,376 of these 20 gauge U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Forager shotguns were manufactured in the early 1880s and serial numbered 1-1376 in their own sequence per page 585 of "Flayderman's Guide, 9th Edition". These are significant as the first purpose built U.S. Army issued shotguns. They were designed for 20 gauge brass shotgun shells and were used by hunters and scouts primarily at western outposts in the late 19th century, and some were even used into the very early 20th century, primarily in Alaska. It has standard markings and features including the "1881" dated breech block, "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/1873" marked lock, two-click tumbler, special extractor, and carbine trigger guard and buttplate. Includes a period leather cavalry type 28 loop cartridge belt with a "US" embossed brass buckle and five empty 20 gauge military shell casings with headstamps dated between 1884 to 1900.

Manufacturer: Springfield Armory U.S.

Model: 1881

BBL: 26 inch round

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 20

Finish: blue/casehardened

Serial Number548

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Good, with smooth brown and gray patina, patches of pitting, a crack in the upper receiver tang, and legible markings. The stock is fair, with an absent section to the left of the receiver tang, a repair on the bottom of the forend, and general chips and wear. Mechanically excellent.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000