This rifle was manufactured in 1888 with a fixed blade front sight and a Buffington folding rear sight adjustable for elevation and windage. The left rear section of the barrel is marked with the "VP/Eagle Head/P" with the final "P" shifted up and an additional vertically stamped "A" proof directly on top of the barrel. The breech block is marked "US/MODEL/1884". The lock plate is marked with the spread wing American eagle with shield and clutched arrows and "US/SPRINGFIELD" ahead of the hammer and it is fitted with the correct three click tumbler. This example still retains the two-piece trigger guard and the buttplate without a trap. It has a full length stock that is stamped with a boxed script "SWP/1888" cartouche on the left side. The outline of the circled script "P" proof is visible behind the lower tang which has a "W" sub-inspection mark. The included later period leather sling is attached via sling swivels mounted to the front barrel band and the front of the trigger guard. The ramrod is absent.

Very good as fitted with a refinished stock. The rifle retains 70% of the thinning and toning blue finish with a brown patina forming. The breechblock shows thinning and minor brown/gray discoloration. The sanded and refinished stock is fine and has a high gloss and a lighter more golden tone with some chips and wear on the edges of the butt and some dings, dents, and scratches. The action is excellent and most of the markings are clear.

The Model 1879 was manufactured from 1879 to 1885. This serial number dates to the final year of production. The later 1873 style breechblock is marked "U.S/MODEL/1873"" on top. The barrel has the standard "V/P/Eagle Head/P" on the left with the rear sight graduated "1-5" (100-500 yards) on base with the face of the leaf marked "5-12" (500-1200 yards) both are marked with an "R". The lock plate is marked with the Springfield Armory eagle with shield and clutching arrows to the left of "U.S./SPRINGFIELD". The barrel bands are stamped with a "U" on the right side. It features double sling swivels on the front barrel band with a single swivel mounted to the trigger guard, two-piece trigger plate and trigger guard bow, smooth buttplate, and iron button head ramrod with slot.

Very good. The rifle retains traces of the blue finish with some thinning to a golden brown or gray patina on the barrel at the muzzle, the barrel bands, hammer, and bottom of the trigger guard as well as various minor scratches and marks. The buttplate has a brown-gray patina with wear on the upper and lower edges. The breechblock and tang retain dark case colors with some light pitting on the breechblock. The wood is good as refinished and repaired with minor dings and dents as well as some small chips and wear on the edges of the butt. There is a long faint crack on the left side of the butt and a small hairline crack behind the lock plate. Additionally, there is also a small chip/sliver absent on the left side in front of the rear barrel band and repairs around the upper tang. The cracks and repairs are only visible on close inspection. Mechanically excellent with clear markings.