U.S. Model 1888 Trapdoor Springfield Rifle………..(F 909)
Created on July 7th 2020
A Fine Example of the Trapdoor Springfield Rod-Bayonet Infantry Rifle.
The final development in the Trapdoor Springfield story issued to the regular and volunteer U.S. troops. Known as the Rod-Bayonet or Model 1888 Rifle. Last worked on by Springfield in 1893. Chambered in the classic U.S. Government calibre of .45-70. This rifle is in particularly fine cosmetic condition with traces of case-colour hardening visible on various parts.
The rifle is fully stocked in American Black Walnut and that stock is in fine condition with close grain and a smooth all over patina. Very few blemishes which considering its age is quite remarkable. The wrist cartouche indicates final inspection in 1892 by “SWP” These are the initials of Samuel ,W, Porter who served as Master Armourer and died two years later. Below the trigger guard, on the underside of the butt stock, is the circled final firing script proof mark of a “P”.
Overall the rifle measures 52″. The round barrel is 32.3/4″ long and the trigger “pull” is 13.1/4″ to centre. The rifle carries the serial number 559013 to the rear of the trapdoor opening. Once open it is immediately obvious the kind of condition this rifle is in, in that the breech still carries its original blue colour – this is often lost. The rear tang and the underside of the breech block are showing case-colour hardening. The block being the low arch type. The upper surface being marked as follows;- ” U.S. / MODEL / 1884″.
The round blued barrel has the original firing and proof stampings and read from the front backwards; ” V/ P/eagles head / P ” There are modern London proof and calibre proof marks on the obverse indicating Nitro Proof in 2013. Flat blued lock with strong American Eagle clutching crossed arrows adjacent to “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD.” The action is mechanically fine and has a three position lock. Serrated trigger within guard. Rear sling mounting point on front of trigger guard. Two barrel bands marked with the normal Springfield “U” and springs in front to retain.
Buffington rear sights with fine windage adjustment, marked correctly “R” for rifle in top RH corner. Graduated to 1400 yards. The most easily distinguishing feature of this Model 1884 rifle is the rod-bayonet which is retained by a sprung catch at the front of the for-end. When extended this spike makes the rifle 15″ longer. It can be further pulled out and doubles as the cleaning / clearing rod. (Though, I don’t think I would much fancy using it to clean my rifle if it was all gunged up with blood and gore, besides we all know that blood is a strong cause of corrosion to gun barrels. – I think they may have been a little bit too clever with this idea!)
The rifle comes with a good reproduction brown leather sling with brass fittings and is marked clearly “ROCK ISLAND / ARSENAL” and “E.H.S.” Worth keeping for shooting as it is supple and useable whereas a survivor from the date would be far too precious to use. The stock is in really good condition and as well as a fine patina it has the initials “ADE” scratched into the LHS of the butt-stock possibly contemporary. The rear tang is marked “US / 41” possibly a rack number. The face of the butt plate has the swivelling butt-trap for cleaning equipment (empty) This is a high condition rifle with a good shoot-able bore. There is minor pitting but nothing which should be a major problem. An interesting piece of American Military History in usable condition.
Stock No’ F 909
£ 1525.
Comments Off on U.S. Model 1888 Trapdoor Springfield Rifle………..(F 909)