 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Springfield US Model 1888 Trapdoor Rod/Bayonet Rifle
Guns International #: 100695432 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Springfield Rifles - Trapdoor - Antique Rifles - Cartridge
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: Brent Wilburn
Company: Antique Arms, Inc.
Member Since: 11/19/15
First Name: Brent
Last Name: Wilburn
State: Georgia
Zip: 30052
Country: United States
Phone: (678) 471-1432
Phone2: (678) 471-1432
Premium Seller
Number of Active Listings: 36
Total Number of Listings: 580
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Money Order, Certified Check
Description:
This is a above average example of the Springfield Model 1888 Trapdoor Rifle in 45-70; also known as the "Ramrod Bayonet Rifle". Caliber 45-70. Serial number is in the 506,000 range and was built in 1890. Condition-wise, its in NRA Antique Fine Plus Condition with a nice untouched look. The Model 1888 was the final improvement of a long line of Trapdoor Models that date back to 1865 with the Allin Conversion of muzzleloading Model 1863 Springfields at the end of the Civil War. This old warrior was the last standard infantry rifle adopted by the US Army that was 1. a single shot; 2. chambered for black powder, and 3. had a side-mounted lockplate. It is easily distinguished from other earlier Trapdoor Models by its unique cleaning rod mechanism which allows it to double as a bayonet. Another improved feature is the solid milled trigger guard as well as carryovers from the Model 1884 like the Buffington rear sight and serrated trigger.
Historically speaking, these rifles were issued to regular US Army units during the early 1890's prior to the adoption of the bolt action Krag Jorgensen Service Rifle. No doubt, some saw service in the American West for a few short years leading up to the Krag Rifle. During the Spanish-American War in 1898, Model 1888's joined the fight in the hands of National Guard and volunteer units in Cuba and the Philippines at the turn of the 20th century. From there, these rifles saw additional usage in ROTC training and various civilian defense groups into WW2. We looked through Springfield Research which is a tabulation of serial numbers found in records at the National Archives in Washington, DC. We found two serial numbers for the Model 1888, both in the 506,000 range. One was issued to Company D of the 6th United States Infantry on March 29, 1892. This would have been shortly before the issue of the Krag Rifle. The other rifle shows an issue date during the Spanish American War in 1898 to Company I of the New York Volunteer Infantry reflecting that by the late 1890's, the Models 1884 and 1888 Trapdoors were being chanelled to National Guard and Volunteer Units.
This rifle has a Letter "A" with the number "23" beneath stamped on the buttplate indicating Company "A" and its rack number for some unknown unit. See Photo. The barrel has 60% original blue that is turning to a smooth brown patina. There are several small dings on the barrel located above the spring-loaded bayonet/rod release. Barrel bands, retaining springs, and the one-piece Model 1888 trigger guard show 70% original blue. Lockplate has mostly flaked to about 20% blue but very sharp with an Eagle and marked "U.S. SPRINGFIELD". Breech block shows some darkened mottled remnants of case colors on the outside and bright colors inside the breech. It is marked Model 1884 which is correct on all Model 1888 Trapdoor as both models were built concurrently. Correct and original Buffington Rear Sight is properly marked with the letter "R" for rifle. Correct late style serrated trigger. Correct trapdoor in buttplate. Breech tang shows 80% good discernable case colors. I'm not a gunsmith but the action appears to be nice and tight and it has a minty Bore that is Mirror Bright with no pits. Original walnut stock is solid and in Fine Overall Condition with 90% plus of the original oiled finish which has turned a deep red over the past 126 years. Wood showing mostly minor handling marks with a few small flecks chipped out along the apex of the forestock. Stock has never been cleaned or sanded and retains an excellent 1890 dated inspector cartouche and Circle P proof marking behind the trigger guard.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
Model: US Model 1888 Rifle
Caliber Info: 45-70
Manufacture Date: 1890