Trapdoor Rifles

I finally was able to get these books to help me better understand both the history and the details of my growing Springfield trapdoor collection. Al Frasca’s books set are a matching signed number set. outstanding pictures and so much detailed information in these books, but for me, Dick Hosmer‘s b...

I deleted 40 photos from my previous posts to be able to add these photos for this early unaltered 1873.

- unmarked barrel
- early course pattern hammer
- does anybody know where I might be able to find information to help identify what unit this B 44 stamping on top of the stock represents?

I just went back through my posts and deleted about 40 photos to try to help create some bandwidth space for the board.

Well, I sincerely appreciate you trying Dick! I’d also sincerely appreciate your thoughts about this very early seemingly unaltered 1873. I got this one and the Model 1870 from an estate sale in the Montana-Idaho area (the other two early rifles of question we’ve recently discussed were from an esta...

And what would one look like if it’s correct? Where on eBay is it?

I recently acquired this very early four digit 1873 from an estate sale in the Northwest. I sent pictures of this rifle to Dick Hosmer and he believes it’s a correct as issued early 1873 that avoided being upgraded/altered to the later standards. It’s an amazing condition to be such an early 1873. I...

This is my Early 4 digit serial number M1873.
Anyone ever seen this letter combo that’s on top of both the block and receiver?
What about the letter B on top of the chamber flat?

Believe Dick Hosmer, not IMA. Although IMA does a pretty decent job on their very detailed descriptions, they are not experts on all things and sometimes make mistakes (as with any cataloger). Absent any documentation, the only known trapdoors which were nickel plated for service use were the M1868...

No idea on how many made, probably not many. AFAIK, NOT an SA product. Most collectors probably wouldn't want one. Poster child for scarce does NOT mean desirable/rare/valuable. That one has a repro rod to boot. Ugh... Sorry! No need to apologize, I’m just curious about why these would be nickel pl...

Couple more pics