LSB#: 120417EM25
Make: Springfield
Model: 1888
Serial Number: 543576. The “6” is difficult to read because of wear from the door.
Year of Manufacture: 1888-1893
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Single Shot Trapdoor
Markings: The trapdoor is marked “U.S. / Model / 1884”. The serial number found on the receiver top is “543576”. The lock is marked “Springfield” with an eagle. The buttplate tang is marked “U.S.”. The lock shows pitting and dark patina. The stock is marked “F 38” on the top at the heel. There is a cartouche on the left wrist above the trigger.
Barrel Length: 32 5/8”
Sights / Optics: This rifle is mounted with a fixed post front sight and the “Buffington” rear sight which is correctly marked with an “R”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth military wood. There are many nicks dings and small gouges. There is a small chip missing from the back of the lock leading to a 1” crack. The LOP measures approx. 13 1/8”. The stock is marked “F 38” on the top at the heel. There is a cartouche on the left wrist above the trigger. The stocks rate in about Fair plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is scattered minor pitting and erosion. This is a good shootable bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows brown patina on the barrel and heavy patina at the rear of the barrel and the receiver. There is scattered surface erosion on the barrel, which increases closer to the breech. The barrel bands, buttplate and trigger guard are discolored and somewhat gray/brown. The Screw heads show use and some disfiguration but all are servicable. The markings are a little difficult to read because of age wear and developing patina. This rifle is practially untouched, and while not exactly sharp is definitely honest. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition. The rod bayonet is in remarkably Good condition with some original blue and smooth metal.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle..
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A rod bayonet is provided.
Our Assessment: This rifle is in good operating condition with a decent bore and is over 100 years old. It is correctly configured with the Buffington sight and rod bayonet and is in the correct serial number range. The Trapdoor was the last black powder rifle of the US military to see action mostly in the hands of National Guard troops in both Cuba and the Phillipines during and after the Spanish American War. Please see page 586, and 587 of “Flaydermans” 9th edition for more details. Here is a complete correct collector find. An original Model 1888.
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This rifle is classified as an Antique and can be sold to anyone 18 years of age with valid ID.
Shipping:
UPS Insured shipping will cost $35. To reduce the likelihood of damage during shipping, we may disassemble long guns by removing stocks when it is possible & easy and will not damage the wood or screws. We will also break down takedowns. We have had problems with rough carrier handling breaking the stocks at the wrist, and since we have begun to disassemble, we have not had any breakage. All parts will be individually wrapped. If you would prefer to not have your item disassembled, please let us know as soon as you win the bid. We package all merchandise for shipment on the Monday following the sale.
Your item will be shipped within 1 week of receipt of good funds, usually the next day. You will receive an automatic notification with a tracking number upon shipment, to let you know that we have received funds. If you are in Southern California, you are welcome to pick your item up and complete the transfer at our shop in Simi Valley (M-F, 8-5).
This gun can only be shipped to a verified adult, and it will be shipped from an FFL. It is your responsibility to ensure that the gun is legal to own and receive in your area. Please include a copy of your driver’s license with payment; this is for proof of age. We are FFL dealers and comply with all Federal, State and local laws.
Payment:
Full payment on non-layaway items is required within 14 days. We accept Cashiers Checks, Money Orders, Cash and Personal Checks. No Credit Cards or electronic payments are accepted. To help us properly apply your payment, please indicate what item you have purchased when payment and/or FFL are sent. If you would like to be notified when we receive your payment, please obtain a tracking number from your carrier. We receive about 40 checks a day and do not have the staff required to email everyone when we receive checks.
CA Sales tax applies to CA buyers (7.25%).
Layaways are offered on all items, requiring a 20% non refundable down payment within 7 days of the auction’s close and the balance within 60 days. We do not require prior notice to place an item on the layaway. No returns are accepted on layaway items and the item will be considered abandoned after 60 days.
Successful Bidder Instructions:
You will be invoiced by the morning following the sale. This invoice will include totals for the sale and all instructions.
If you win an item and are not willing or able to complete the sale, you will be liable for 5% of the sale price.
Returns (less shipping) are accepted within 3 days of when the item is delivered with signature confirmation. Returns are very costly for both the buyer and for us, so please ask all of your questions before bidding and please be sure you can legally purchase this item.
Please leave feedback when the gun is happily received, we will leave feedback in return. If you are not satisfied, for any reason, please contact us before leaving negative or neutral feedback. (805) 285-0715
No gun should be fired without being examined by a competent gunsmith.
Payment Methods:
Money Orders, Personal Checks, Cashiers Checks,
Ships Using:
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