Model 1888 “Rod-Bayonet” Trapdoor Rifle…………(F 1211)
Created on April 1st 2025
Springfield Model 1888 Trapdoor Rifle
The final development in the Trapdoor Springfield story, issued to regular and volunteer U.S. troops. Known as the “Rod-Bayonet” or Model 1888 Rifle. Produced from 1890 until 1893 by The Springfield Armoury. Chambered in the classic U.S. Government calibre of .45-70. This rifle is in good used (military) condition, with traces of case-colour hardening visible on protected parts. It has also lost an awful lot of finish due to its hard service life, and taken a few hard knocks along the way – but, that shows it has been there and as we know; a few hard knocks always improves character!
The rifle is fully stocked in an American Black Walnut, one piece stock. If one consideres the possible scraps this rifle could have been involved in, considering its age, it is in quite remarkable condition. These rifles have been used in everything from the American Indian Wars up to and including the First World War. The boxed wrist cartouche indicates final inspection in 1891 by “SWP.” The initials of Samuel ,W, Porter who served as Master Armourer at Springfield 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”. Between the trigger guard and that final mark, if studdied very carefully it is possible to discern three initials in a very small, but official looking text which read “B.D.R.” – meaning unknown.
Overall the rifle measures 52″. The round barrel is 32.1/2″ long and the trigger “pull” is 13.1/4″ to centre. The rifle carries the serial number 531300 to the rear of the trapdoor opening. Once open, the rifle reveals a surprise, as to its internal condition, in that the breech still carries its finish – this is often lost. The underside of the breech block shows strong case-colour hardening. The block being the low arch type. The upper surface is marked as follows;- ” U.S. / MODEL / 1884″. Close inspection of the stock yields more; If angled correctly to the light, it is possible to see some initials, very lightly scratched into the right upper curve of the comb, just in front of the butt-plate tang. They have been crudely surrounded by a box (as per the official cartouches) and read “H.A.K.” Who was trooper HAK ? and why was he scratching his initails on his rifle !
The round barrel has the original firing and proof stampings at the breech end, and read from the front backwards; ” V/ P/eagles head / P ” The “P” is slightly obliterated from barrel work whilst re-headspacing. There are modern London proof and calibre proof marks on the underside of the exposed part of the muzzle, indicating Nitro Proof in 2024. Flat lock with American Eagle clutching crossed arrows adjacent to “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD.” Fine condition hammer showing colour. The action is mechanically fine and has a three position lock. Internally the lock is in far better condition than any part externally; no corrosion or signs of age – it is still blacked evenly, over the reverse and all the components. 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. Stacking and sling swivels.
Buffington rear sights with fine windage adjustment, marked correctly “R” for rifle in top RH corner. Graduated to 1400 yards. An interesting feature of the Buffington sight is the angled ladder slide which compensates for spin drift as the bullet is so weighty. 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 the with blood and gore of the last unfortunate I had run through that day! Besides, we all know that blood is a strong cause of corrosion to gun finish. – I think they may not have thoroughly thought this idea through!)
The rear tang is marked “US”. On the LHS rear of the butt, adjacent to the butt-plate a number “41” has been stamped into the timber surface – once again, possibly a rack number. The face of the butt plate has the swivelling butt-trap for cleaning equipment.(Within was found a “U.S.” marked combination tool) This is a honest condition rifle with a good shoot-able clear 3-groove bore. There is no noticeable pitting and the wide lands and grooves are complete and uninterrupted. An interesting piece of American Military History in usable condition.
Stock No’ F 1211 – FAC required
£ 995.
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