1888 Trapdoor

[juswalk]

Hello,
I recently purchased a Model 1888 Trapdoor Rod Bayonet rifle. The interesting part of this weapon is that it is serial number 125638. All of its features are associtated with a production Model 1888 save the upper barrel band which appears to be a Model 1873 band due to the fact that it lacks the sling swivel and there are no provisions for one. According to Reisch/Poyer in "The .45-70 Springfield" page 261 there were earlier receivers from damaged or otherwise unservicable rifles made into 1888 Rod Bayonet Rifles. The Block is dated 1884 and the stock sports a SWP 1891 cartouche. The later hammer and type 4 lockplate are also installed. The barrel band confuses me as this band by 1891 had not been used for some time (please correct me if I am wrong). Perhaps it was replaced after being sold as surplus. I would appreciate any help that could be offered in learning more about this fine weapon. I look forward to your responses.

Regards, Ben juswalk@hotmail.com

[jnz]

I have two 1888 rifles that have serial numbers earlier than that. The first is 114240 and the other is 123148. Both have 1891 cartouches and are correct in every way. Some are of the opinion that the low serial numbers found in the 1888 are strictly from the receivers from the failed Model 1884 rod bayonet rifles in the 320000 range but there are too many others with even lower serial numbers that are in correct configuration to be explained away as "something Bannerman did". I know of one 1888 that lettered on SRS as a carbine in 1889!

[Dick Hosmer]

Yes - the 1888RRB has not one but two distinct anomalies. In addition to the vast majority of them which are in the main sequence, there are two perfectly genuine low-numbered variations:

(1) 96300 to around 125000, which represent the re-use of serviceable (wide) receivers from disassembled arms, or shop leftovers.

(2) Roughly 315000 to 322000, which are, as stated above, from the specific group of 1000 M1884 rod-bayonet rifles, nearly all of which were recalled and converted, or at least salvaged for usable parts.

The variant M1888s are "interesting" but, IMHO, no value change (up OR down) is justified. Personally, I'd rather have one "in sequence", and I'd suspect that "demand" (as opposed to value) MIGHT be somewhat less for the aberrations.

[juswalk]

That is what I suspected. How do I go about tracking the serial number through SRS? I have heard of this, but have never tried it.
Thanks,
Ben

[jake2009]

I have a very nice 88 Rod Bayonet with SN 5114XX (not hiding anything - I just don't have the full SN with me right now). Very nice 1891 SWP cartouche. Has rack number on R side of butt stock in two rows (I don't remember what the numbers are, but not real important anyway, I guess) whihc is nicely applied in very neat block lettering - looks machine made stamping. Very accurate with 38 Gr. Varget behind 500 Gr, gov't lead

[jnz]

Would be nice to know what the "rack numbers" are. NY stamped their Model 1888 rifles on the right side of the butt in the style that you describe except the first set of numbers (which are usually bigger than the second set) is the regiment followed by another number which is the rack number. For example "71" over "334" could mean 71st NY Regt. with 334 being the rack number. I have the histories of all of the NY Regiments. Would you be able to post a pic of it?

[jake2009]

I'll look at it tonight and get back to you with the numbers. You can e-mail me separately if you like: es5956@att.com. Bought the rifle in PA (I live in NJ now)

[Dick Hosmer]

That is what I suspected. How do I go about tracking the serial number through SRS? I have heard of this, but have never tried it.
Thanks,
Ben

See topic immediately below - NOT a very good situation, but the only avenue left open, short of individual personal research.

[trenchcrazy]

JNZ!!
Here is my trapdoor M1888 #538751 do you have any info on it?

[jnz]

Yes, it is a NYNG rifle. The 74th Infantry, NYNG did not serve in the Spanish American War as a unit, but did provide officers and men for the newly formed 201st, 202nd. and 203rd US Volunteer Infantry. Of these three new units, only the 202nd went to Cuba and that was for occupation duty after the fighting was over. During the "trapdoor" period, which was From May of 1898 to about 1902 for the NYNG, the 74th maintained an understrength presence (due to losing men to the other units) at their Armory in Buffalo during the SAW and after they mainly used their Model 1888 rifles for drill and for camping out at Peekskill for a week every summer.

[trenchcrazy]

Thanks JNZ!!

I did not know my trapdoor was a NY rifle. I have a NY state contract rolling block. Now I have two NY rifles. Thanks again!!