A very rare example of one of the 100 Springfield Model 1888 "Positive Cam" trapdoor rifles. Manufactured in 1888, the "Positive Cam" rifle was an attempt by Springfield Armory to modify the Springfield trapdoor breech block to eliminate the occasional failure of the locking cam mechanism. The "Positive Cam" rifles featured a modified breech block marked: "U.S. / MODEL / 1888". The breech block has the screw that retains the firing pin located on the right side behind the thumb piece rather than on the underside. The "Positive Cam" itself is part of the breech locking device. By a cramming or wedging action, a firmer lock was created for the breech block, taking all loose play out of it. All known examples of the 100 "Positive Cam" rifles are in the 400,000 to 416,000 serial number range and the stocks of all the rifles have the "SWP/1888" inspection cartouche. This rifle is in the correct serial number range and has the correct configuration breech block, correct breech block markings, receiver relief cut on the right side for cam shaft clearance and "SWP/1888" cartouche. The rifle has the standard, 32 5/8 inch barrel, Buffington rear sight, and oil finished walnut stock with a small "B" and a circled "P" behind the lower tang. The left side of the barrel has the standard "V / P / eagle head / P" inspection and proofmarks, the lock plate is marked with the eagle/shield motif followed by "U.S. / SPRINGFIELD" and the buttplate tang is marked "US". The Springfield "Positive Cam" rifles are one of the rarest variations of the Springfield trapdoor rifles. The 100 "Positive Cam" rifles were issued to the San Antonio Arsenal for testing. Most of these rifles subsequently were issued to active units in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona where they saw active service. This example would be a premier piece in the most advanced U.S. Martial Arms collection.

Excellent. The rifle retains approximately 90% of the slightly faded original blue finish with some overall light scattered spotting. The breech block shows strong faded original case colors and much of the original casehardening pattern and some smooth dark brown patina on the outside, and almost all of the vivid original case colors on the inside. The upper tang retains 90% vivid original case colors. The stock is very fine with a few minor chips along the edge of the toe and overall a few minor dents and dings. The cartouche is crisp and clear. The markings remain crisp and clear. The mechanics are excellent. This is a superior example of a very rare Springfield Trapdoor rifle that is always missing in even the most sophisticated collections. Without this key item, a collections is average at best!