ronc54
10-03-2013, 07:12
Have always casually looked at trapdoors when encountered and thought if I found a nice one would get it. Most I have seen are a little rough for $700 and up so this looked great for the money. Have several SA Garands and a 1903 so needed to add one of these. Any opinions on how I did for $975 out the door appreciated, this is probably a keeper. Also noticed the SRS serial number look up here that would be appreciated. Did a lot of reading to educate myself on these so I could describe it better. Could add pics if needed.
It was in a glass case and appeared to have near 100% blue so thinking a reblue, but sure now it is original. Looked at the trapdoorcollectors web site and feel good about this rifle. Good case colors on block darker on top, much more apparent underneath marked 1884. Sideplate has the eagle and Springfield no date. Blue is close to 100% and bore is mint, a mirror. What I thought was some minor corrosion at the wood line is actually dried linseed oil. Only significant blue wear is the buttplate at the top and bottom where it looks like rack wear and some minor marks where bayonet was attached. Stock has a number of minor dings and small impressions but no cracks overall very nice. Wood has a reddish brown appearance, maybe from added linseed over the years but shows no signs of sanding. Cleaning rod is present and looks new, no front sight cover. Came with a leather sling that appears identical to an 03 sling, very old and had been on the rifle a long time a strong "set" in the leather where it curves around the swivels. Rear band was installed backwards I think (U on left side and open part of U pointing rear). Bands came off easily and barrel/receiver came out with no problem. Only screw showing any "buggering" was tang screw and barely noticeable.
Serial # 46916x. Stock has a strong 1889 cartouche and a P proof on the wrist at the bottom and a very small x in the wood just to the rear of the trigger guard. Firing proofs above the wood line are V P eagle and P. Below the wood there is a D at the witness marks where barrel and receiver are aligned. there is also a P with small curved line above it and a dot below. Also a small S.
Rear sight is Buffington, elevation knob rotates easily, but slide does not move. No signs of being staked may just be dried crud. Windage knob does not move and don't want to force it, may be pinned?
Was told it came out of a very old collection, no more history than that.
Again great info and links here, any input is welcome. Ron
It was in a glass case and appeared to have near 100% blue so thinking a reblue, but sure now it is original. Looked at the trapdoorcollectors web site and feel good about this rifle. Good case colors on block darker on top, much more apparent underneath marked 1884. Sideplate has the eagle and Springfield no date. Blue is close to 100% and bore is mint, a mirror. What I thought was some minor corrosion at the wood line is actually dried linseed oil. Only significant blue wear is the buttplate at the top and bottom where it looks like rack wear and some minor marks where bayonet was attached. Stock has a number of minor dings and small impressions but no cracks overall very nice. Wood has a reddish brown appearance, maybe from added linseed over the years but shows no signs of sanding. Cleaning rod is present and looks new, no front sight cover. Came with a leather sling that appears identical to an 03 sling, very old and had been on the rifle a long time a strong "set" in the leather where it curves around the swivels. Rear band was installed backwards I think (U on left side and open part of U pointing rear). Bands came off easily and barrel/receiver came out with no problem. Only screw showing any "buggering" was tang screw and barely noticeable.
Serial # 46916x. Stock has a strong 1889 cartouche and a P proof on the wrist at the bottom and a very small x in the wood just to the rear of the trigger guard. Firing proofs above the wood line are V P eagle and P. Below the wood there is a D at the witness marks where barrel and receiver are aligned. there is also a P with small curved line above it and a dot below. Also a small S.
Rear sight is Buffington, elevation knob rotates easily, but slide does not move. No signs of being staked may just be dried crud. Windage knob does not move and don't want to force it, may be pinned?
Was told it came out of a very old collection, no more history than that.
Again great info and links here, any input is welcome. Ron