{"product_id":"original-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-model-1873-88-upgraded-round-rod-bayonet-rifle-manufactured-in-1881-with-leather-sling-and-tools-serial-no-163955","title":"Original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873\/88 Upgraded Round Rod Bayonet Rifle Manufactured in 1881 with Leather Sling and Tools - Serial No. 163955","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One available. The U.S. breech loading Springfield \"trapdoor\" rifle was introduced in 1873 in .45-70 caliber. Basically it was the rifle the U.S. Army used to open the West and Springfield trapdoor carbines were used by Custer's Cavalry at the massacre at The Little Big Horn. This example has the breech block marking:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003cbr\u003eMODEL\u003cbr\u003e1884\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1888 the integral Round Rod Bayonet was introduced, which could double as a cleaning rod, a development that met with very limited success. It was finally replaced in 1892 with the .30-40 caliber Krag bolt action magazine rifle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModel 1884 rifles saw service in the Spanish American War. The regular army was issued the new Krag rifles and the guard units received the trapdoor. There are a number of stereopticon pictures that show guard units armed with 1884 rifles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Model 1888 round rod bayonet rifle was Springfield's third attempt at a rod bayonet system on a trapdoor rifle. They had used the triangular rod system on the Model 1880 and some Model 1882 rifles. The Model 1888 RRB rifle utilized a different, but no more reliable mechanism for retaining the rod. Because the small locking \"fingers\" are not clearly visible, the gun has been nicknamed \"flatlatch.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber, originally produced in the Model 1873 configuration, but later was returned to arsenal for updates to the Model 1884 configuration. The serial number is \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e#163955\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, which indicates production in approximately \u003cstrong\u003eDecember 1881\u003c\/strong\u003e, per U.S. Government records. After being returned to arsenal, the rifle was given all of the gradual \"updates\" that were made to the original design, which technically makes it a Model 1888 according to some sources, though as with most we see the front sight hood is missing. The left side of the stock bears a faint \"boxed\" government inspector \u003cb\u003e\u003cem\u003eSWP \/ 1891\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/b\u003ecartouche, indicating the year it was returned to arsenal for updating, which involved replacement of stock, rear sight, and some of the fittings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe metalwork on the rifle may have been refreshed at arsenal, however it now displays a pleasing mottled plum patina on the barrel and fittings. The receiver looks to have had parts reblued, but the breech block was replaced, and still retains the original case coloring strongly on the underside. It looks like a rifle that saw long service and was well cared for over the years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bore is in very good condition, showing a partly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is some past fouling and oxidation overall, now cleaned away, and the finish in areas is dark in areas. It saw service but was well cared for, being cleaned to remove most of the corrosive residue after use. We would probably rate this a 7 out of 10. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. The breech block opens correctly, locking closed when shut, and the cartridge extractor and ejector are present and fully functional, however we cannot guarantee they will work on actual brass. The cleaning rod \/ bayonet is functional, with a worn finish and intact threads on the end, and the locking mechanism by the muzzle is fully functional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stock is in very good service used condition, and is still FULLY proud over the lock plate, indicating that it has not been arsenal reconditioned over the years. It displays the lovely red-brown color of aged and oiled walnut, only achieved after decades, and shows some lovely grain. There is some overall wear and denting, and the right side of the butt stock has a carved in number \u003cstrong\u003e12\u003c\/strong\u003e with \u003cstrong\u003e312\u003c\/strong\u003e under it, most likely unit or rack markings. There are also some older looking markings on the spine of the butt stock: \u003cstrong\u003eE \/ 17\u003c\/strong\u003e. Another nice feature on this example is the butt stock tool compartment, which is covered by a rotating door on the butt plate. This was used to store the take down tool and stuck cartridge extractor, which are\u003cstrong\u003e actually included with this rifle!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe both barrel bands are \u003cstrong\u003eU\u003c\/strong\u003e marked, and the butt plate tang is marked with the correct \u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e stamp. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, Buffington sight, and sliding ramrod bayonet. Lock is marked with an eagle and \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. \/ SPRINGFIELD\u003c\/strong\u003e, manufactured at the \u003cem\u003eUnited States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield\u003c\/em\u003e, in Springfield, Massachusetts. The \u003cstrong\u003eBuffington\u003c\/strong\u003e rear sight is present and intact, with fully functional windage and range adjustments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe faint elegant script \u003cstrong\u003eSWP \u003c\/strong\u003ebelongs to Samuel W. Porter, who was the Master Armorer and Chief Inspector of Springfield Armory from 15 September 1879 to 18 June 1894. A faint stylized \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e in a circle under the wrist of the stock indicates that the rifle passed all of its overpressure proof testing. Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a capital \u003cstrong\u003eA\u003c\/strong\u003e on top; and a \u003cstrong\u003eV\u003c\/strong\u003e over a \u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c\/strong\u003e over an Eagle's head over another\u003cstrong\u003e P\u003c\/strong\u003e on the left side just above the stock. The upper right corner of the Buffington sight leaf is marked \u003cstrong\u003eR\u003c\/strong\u003e to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe included leather sling is a correct military-style example and remains very well preserved. It retains both the small and large leather keeper loops, as well as the brass attachment stud. The leather displays expected finish wear and has developed an attractive brown coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Springfield trapdoor rifle is especially notable for its arsenal-updated round-rod bayonet configuration, faint 1891 Samuel W. Porter inspection cartouche, and surviving Buffington rear sight. The rifle retains a functional rod bayonet and locking mechanism, a serviceable action, clear rifling, and a stock that remains proud around the lock despite its long service wear and carved rack or unit markings. The included military-style sling, takedown tool, and stuck-cartridge extractor add useful completeness to the set. Together, these features present a well-preserved example of a late-service Springfield trapdoor rifle updated to the final rod-bayonet pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1881 - updated 1891\u003cbr\u003eMaker: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield\u003cbr\u003eModel: 1873\/88 Trapdoor\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .45-70 Government\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 32 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 52 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFederal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45371596505157,"sku":"ONJR26JYAS004","price":1295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR26JYAS004.jpg?v=1784307889","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-model-1873-88-upgraded-round-rod-bayonet-rifle-manufactured-in-1881-with-leather-sling-and-tools-serial-no-163955","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}