U.S. Springfield 1888 Rod Bayonet Trapdoor 32.5” .45-70 Rifle, Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,250.00
LSB# LSB250608WJ028
Make: Springfield
Model: 1888 Rod Bayonet Rifle
Serial Number: 559305
Year of Manufacture: 1893
Caliber: .45-70 (Black powder)
Action Type: Trapdoor, single shot breech loading rifle.
Markings: The rear of the breech is marked “559305”. The top of the action is marked “U.S Model 1884”. The lock plate is marked with a federal eagle and “U.S. Springfield”. The left side of the barrel is marked “VP P”. The barrel band is marked, “U”.
Barrel Length: 32.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set into the barrel with a protective hood. The rear sight is a windage adjustable Buffington style rear ladder sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock features a 1888 rod bayonet assembly, barrel band with sling/stacking loops, barrel band, two through bolts and lock plate, straight wrist, straight comb, and semi-crescent buttplate with storage gate. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no notable chips or cracks. The butt-plate has some light impact marks and rust. The LOP is 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stock is in Fine + condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is faint erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9.5/10 as an Antique.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors’ firearms.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are light spots of thinning, scratches, and wear marks throughout. The breech block has some moderate patina. The screw heads are lightly tooled. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine + condition as an Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle has a half-cock safety. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The U.S. Springfield Model 1888 was the final iteration of the Trapdoor rifle series and the only one to feature the distinctive rod bayonet assembly. Produced from 1888 until 1893, these rifles incorporated lessons learned from decades of service use, retaining the .45-70 Government black powder cartridge while refining features such as the Buffington rear sight and the integrated cleaning rod/bayonet system. Although the rod bayonet concept would later be revisited in the early 20th century with the M1903 Springfield, the Model 1888 represents its first standardized application. By the time this example was manufactured in 1893, the Trapdoor system was nearing the end of its U.S. service life, as the Army began transitioning to smokeless powder repeaters. This rifle remains in impressive antique condition, retaining about 90% of its original finish with only light thinning and scattered wear marks. The bore is excellent, bright with sharp rifling and only faint erosion, rating 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion—an unusually strong bore for a black powder military rifle. The stock, though showing scattered dents and scratches consistent with age, is free of major cracks or losses and presents very well as a refinished antique. The original 1888 rod bayonet assembly is intact, adding considerable desirability since many examples had their rods lost or removed during surplus life. The Buffington sight remains complete and functional, further enhancing this rifle’s appeal.
For collectors, the Springfield Model 1888 Trapdoor is one of the most desirable variants due to its limited production, unique rod bayonet feature, and position as the final development of the Trapdoor lineage. This example stands out with its excellent bore, high percentage of finish, and intact military features, placing it in a much higher condition tier than most surviving examples. It represents both the culmination of black powder U.S. military service rifles and a key transitional step leading into the smokeless powder era. A fine and historically significant rifle, this Trapdoor would be a centerpiece in any collection of American military arms. -R.E.
