This is an excellent example of a Model 1888 that marked the end of the large caliber, blackpowder era and would make a great addition for any collector of Springfield rifles. It has an undated lock marked with the eagle motif followed by "U.S/SPRINGFIELD". The breechblock is marked "U.S./MODEL/1884" and the barrel is marked with "V/P/Eagle Head/P" inspection marks on the left rear side of the barrel and "A" on top. Despite the 1884 designation on the breech, this rifle was a regular production rifle based on the Model 1884 Experimental Trapdoor Rifle and government correspondence referred to this model as the Model 1888. It has a fixed blade front sight with hood absent and an adjustable folding rear sight graduated from 200 to 2000 yards with both aperture and open sight options. The rear barrel band has a groove on top to allow the rear sight to fold flat. The rifle is fitted with a smooth straight grip short wrist stock, with sling swivels on the trigger guard and front barrel band. A "SWP/1891" cartouche on is on the left with a small three letter stamp and a script "P" stamped behind the one piece trigger guard, and a "US/S.C." marked buttplate. Includes a blued steel ramrod bayonet that is 35 1/2 inches overall and extends 16 5/8 inches in place with threaded end.

Fine. The rifle retains 40% of the original finish with much of the blue finish thinned to a brown patina. There are some marks and scratches overall particularly on the front section of the barrel. The wood is very good with various minor dings and marks as well as some minor scrapes by the inspector's cartouche on the left. The compartment cover on the buttplate is absent, but the cleaning rod and tool are inside. Mechanically fine.