Product Description
Antique U.S. SPRINGFIELD M1888 “Trapdoor” Rifle RAMROD BAYONET & RIA SLING
One of Many Likely Used in the Spanish-American War
Here we present an antique U.S. Springfield Model 1888 Trapdoor Rifle with a Ramrod Bayonet in .45-70 GOVT, made circa August of 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts. These were the last of the trapdoor rifles that were in use since the end of the American Civil War. It also marked the end of the black powder-era, single shot, big-bore, hammer-fired rifles in U.S. service. The U.S. government would adopt the Krag-Jorgensen in 30-40 Krag, a smokeless, small-bore, bolt action repeater. However, when the U.S. went to war with Spain in the Spanish-American War in Cuba, many, if not a majority, of the state militia troops were still using the latest models of trapdoor rifle.
This rifle is equipped with a ramrod bayonet and a highly adjustable and optimistic Buffington rear sight. The breech block is marked “US MODEL 1884”, though the Model 1888 is its own distinct variant. The lock has slight remnants of the federal eagle and the “U.S. SPRINGFIELD” is worn off. Many state militias purchased these and used them long after they were out of use with the federal military.
The overall condition is good. Dark patina throughout. The action is excellent. The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is a faint “SWP” cartouche on the left side of the stock. The stock also has a “3L” marking on the right of the butt stock. There is a hairline crack on the left stock flat and other handling marks and minor nicks and splits throughout, remaining solid on the whole.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 32-5/8 inches.
Caliber: .45-70 GOVT
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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$1250
#240367