metcalfe/1873 rifle ???

[mannparks]

I don't get it,$8000 +bp and no related history.
Why is this gun not a put together?
Lot 3507 rock lsland auction
https://www.proxibid.com/asp/LotDetail.asp?ahid=3693&aid=73051&lid=18187286&title=Desirable-Early-Springfield-Armory-Model-1873-Trapdoor-Rifle-with-Rare-Metcalfe-Device

[Dick Hosmer]

I'm not at my SRS, but isn't that one of the two Metcalfes listed? Plus, it is, I believe from the Branum collection - who is right up there with the late Burt Kellerstedt.

[Kragrifle]

IF it is not a put together, it is probably worth more. While trapdoors are not my main interest, I have always heard that there were no original Metcalfes except one I heard about from Neil Gutterman that was a burned rifle having only the metal remaining!

[mannparks]

Dick,if it were my gun in the auction and it had a good hit on the SRS I would want the world to know. Would not you?

[Dick Hosmer]

You are absolutely correct, and, I was wrong about the number as well. Here [©R.A.Hosmer 2013] is a very brief excerpt, still subject to editing, from the Metcalfe chapter in my forthcoming book:

"1000 Model 1873 rifles with the Metcalfe device were made during FY 1876. Serial number range is circa 60,000 to 66,000. Just three contemporary serial number references have been found to date; 60572, 62474, and 66066. Two specimens, 61529 (pictured) and 64372 have been examined - both are presumed to be reassemblies. A Metcalfe rifle, not examined, but with excellent provenance from an old collection, 60043, was offered for sale in December 2013."

Here is a picture of mine, showing the block in place.

[mannparks]

Hay dick thats a pretty neat box did you make it,?
I would like to see the back side.

Charles

[Dick Hosmer]

No, that's an original with, so far as I know, the original cartridges. Sadly, someone had pulled the string, but, if they hadn't I couldn't have afforded it.