Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1888 Ramrod Bayonet Rifle
Serial Number: 512303
Year of Manufacture: 1891
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Trapdoor Single Shot
Barrel Length: 32 1/2"
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is an M1884 Buffington Rifle sight fixed to the rear of the barrel.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth walnut with metal nosecap, two spring-clip secured barrel bands, straight grip, straight comb, slot for the included ramrod bayonet, sling and stacking swivels on the front band, swivel in the front of the guard, and metal buttplate with pivoting door over a storage compartment, nothing in the compartment. Unit/rack numbers "41" and "99" are stamped on the stock and the tang of the buttplate. The 1891 dated SWP and circle-P markings are legible. The stock has scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches with the most notable marks along the edges of the rod slot. There are some scattered small losses around edges. There are no cracks. There is a dark stain running most of the way along the belly behind the guard and a streak of pooled finish along the left extending back from the wrist. The LOP measures 13 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly worn to white with scattered light oxidation and infrequent erosion. Overall, the stock is in Very Good-plus condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered light erosion and infrequent pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its metal finish. Strongest finish is on the lock and receiver tang with some case color remaining on interior portions of the block. The receiver has mostly muted or gone to a light patina. The barrel has gone to a fairly uniform moderate-dark patina. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches. There is some scattered light surface oxidation and less frequent erosion. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This U.S. Springfield Model 1888 Ramrod Bayonet Rifle, manufactured in 1891, is a nice example of the final iteration of the iconic single-shot service rifle that armed American soldiers during the latter half of the 19th century. Chambered in .45-70 Government, the Trapdoor Springfield was the standard-issue rifle of the U.S. Army from 1873 through the 1890s, seeing service during the Indian Wars, in frontier outposts, and with volunteer units through the Spanish-American War. The Model 1873 represents one of the most important transitional designs in American military small arms, bridging the gap between muzzleloaders and modern repeaters, with its hinged breechblock "trapdoor" mechanism and robust black powder chambering.
This rifle has all the improvements of the Model 1884 with the ramrod bayonet mechanism and one-piece trigger guard being the last improvements made to the design that started with Erskine Allin all the way back in 1865. The rifle shows wear consistent with its age and service, retaining a decent bore, strong mechanics, and correct features and markings for its production. As an antique firearm, this Springfield Trapdoor rifle holds tremendous appeal for collectors of U.S. military arms and enthusiasts of frontier-era weaponry. Whether for display, historical research, or careful shooting, this 1888 Ramrod Bayonet rifle is a neat opportunity to add to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
