1888 “Possible “trials rod bayonet

[Dick Hosmer]

I'm afraid that the whole Model 1884XRB, "1888/89 Pushmepullyou", and Model 1888 can be a bit of a hot mess where - for the sake of economy - some corners were cut. SA (or Bannerman - who really knows at this point?) clearly used any receiver above 96300 for assembling the M1888s. The handwriting was on the wall that the TD was on the way out, and, if it fit together and would function, it was done. The numbering of the receiver and barrel is interesting - one has to wonder why, but apparently, there was a need...

Sorry, cannot help with the bluing question - my limited experience has been with Birchwood-Casey, and I'm sure there are better choices. I still have not colored the raw parts on my M1882 restoration.

[carlsr]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/SeNyGFtEsuULwKiMA
Hopefully the link above will show my M88 restored, well almost as I need a butt plate and possibly a different lower band. I've not re installed the cleaning rod locking mechanism until I either decide to use the one already on or replace it, that mechanism is a #@$#@ to get back on.
Dick, I ended up using Brownells 44/40 blueing. I think it worked rather well and was easy to use.
The lock plate, trigger guard and bands were also stripped.
The upper band was missing the stacking swivel so I got another off eBay.
I know it's taboo to re blue a TD but I believe it's also taboo to strip one
IMHO, it looks much better than it did and it's documented so that's a plus

[Solidleadslug]

The results look really good

[carlsr]

The results look really good

Thank you!!