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Title:	RIFLE, MILITARY -  U.S. RIFLE MODEL 1888 TRAPDOOR .45-70 SN# 535784
Maker/Manufacturer:	ALLIN, ERSKINE S.
Date of Manufacture:	1892
Eminent Figure:
Catalog Number:	SPAR 5725
Measurements:	OL:131.5CM 51 7/8" BL: 82.5CM 32 1/2" 9.1 lbs.

Object Description:

U.S. RIFLE MODEL 1888 TRAPDOOR .45-70 SN# 535784
Manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield, Ma. - Standard Model 1888 single-shot breechloading rifle with improved ramrod-type bayonet. 3-groove rifling. Compartment in buttplate. Blued and case-colored. M1884 rear sight. Weapon weighs approximately 9.1 lbs. Stacking swivel missing. Light pitting on barrel.

Markings:
Lock: Eagle. U.S./SPRINGFIELD.
Breechblock: US/MODEL/1884.
Receiver: 535784.
Barrel: V/P/Eaglehead/P. A.
Stock: SWP/1892. W/P in circle. 65/108.

Weapon listed as overage found on post in Museum area and accessioned into Army collection. Weapon transferred to the Museum on 27 April 1960.

"28880-ENC. 18 #375 2nd Endorsement. June 28, 1900. Respectfully returned to the Chief of Ordnance, U.S.A.
It has been known here that the Springfield rifle with the rod bayonet has a jump or a whip which would affect the accuracy of the firing, and this is due to the weight of the attachments for the rod bayonet at the end of the barrel.
If directed, experiments might be made to ascertain if a higher sight would give greater accuracy, or front sights of different heights might be sent to the Adjutant General of the State of Maine for his test."

References:
Frasca, Albert J. & Robert Hill. THE .45-70 SPRINGFIELD. Springfield Publishing Co. Northridge, Ca. 1980.
Frasca, Albert J. THE .45-70 SPRINGFIELD BOOK II. 1865-1893. Frasca Publishing Co. Springfield, Oh. 1997.