First Trapdoor

[jarrodeu]

Hello,
1903's are really my thing and I'm 26 so my experience is limited but I recently purchased this Trapdoor. After reading up on it I believe that it is an 1868 made in 1870 as the block is marked as such.
My questions are;
1. Is there an SRS hit or anything close? the number is 31619
2. Do you believe this to be in original (though well used) condition? If not, what is wrong?
3. What do the very small VD or ND on the stock mean?
4. What does the E behind the tang mean?
5. Would the 35 be a unit or a rack number?
6. Any other thoughts?
Thanks for your help,
Jarrod

[jarrodeu]

Here are a few more pictures.
Jarrod

[Dick Hosmer]

Welcome!

It is a distinct pleasure to deal with someone who has done their homework, sends pictures, and doesn't say "I have an old gun with "U" on the barrel 'strap', number 123XXX, can you tell me who used it, and in what battle?"

1. Not yet.
2. Yes, I do. Looks fine except for the missing rod, and rather strange looking front sight base (is dovetailed in?).
3. That could be "AD"; in any event it is a mark from the stocking department, either a sub-inspector or a tally mark for piecework pay (or both).
4. Some sort of "usage" mark, not related to manufacture, very possibly "E" Company
5. It would be very odd if it were anything else.
6. Not really - just give the metal a good once over with 000 steel wool and solvent/oil to remove any loose rust, and rub some lemon oil into the stock - afted perhaps a BIT of stain at the raw scratched areas. Rod is a $100 problem, front sight might be best left alone.

Good luck and have fun.

[mannparks]

Jarrod, welcome to the trapdoor community, and nice find.
As in the 03 Springfield the 45/70 Springfield is just as much fun to collect, load for and shoot.

Read read and then read some more.
Good luck
Charles

[mannparks]

Jarrod, welcome to the trapdoor community, and nice find.
As in the 03 Springfield the 45/70 Springfield is just as much fun to collect, load for and shoot.

Read read and then read some more.
Good luck
Charles

[Tkacook]

Looks like a fine rifle. The 50-70 is fun to reload and fun to shoot with black powder.

Andy

[jarrodeu]

Yes, it is dovetailed in (somewhat crudely). Thanks for your help!
Jarrod