Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1888 Ramrod Bayonet Rifle

Serial Number: 556997

Year of Manufacture: 1892

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 with an M1883 Buffington front sight cover installed. 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. The 1892 dated SWP and circle-P markings are shallow, but legible. The right of the stock is marked with two "1" stampings of different styles, the buttplate is stamped "1" and "1STSTEP.CO.". The stock has many scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, most finished-over. The forend shows heavy sanding forward of the rear band. There are losses on the top edges of the forend with a repaired crack just behind the rear band on the right. There are some other scattered more minor losses and short cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has a mottled appearance with areas worn to white or gone to patina with scattered surface oxidation. Overall, the stock is in Good condition as refinished Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color

Finish Originality: Most finish appears Original, the rear sight has been Refinished.

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion and minor pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its metal finish. Strongest finish is on the lock. Exposed portions of the breechblock have mostly muted with a little good color on the interior. Most other surfaces have gone to a fairly uniform patina. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is infrequent surface erosion. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable 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: Included is a "Straight Shooter" leather sling.

Our Assessment: This U.S. Springfield Model 1888 Ramrod Bayonet Rifle, manufactured in 1892, is a good 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. The most notable wear is in the stock forward of the rear band, showing heavy sanding and a new finish applied. 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 good opportunity to add to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!