trap door, springfield, m-1873 help

[wolfie]

hello, new to the forum. i was wondering if some one with expertise in trap door rifles can help me. came accross one yesterday and bought it. i was amazed at the overall condition for it was very well kept with alot of bluing left. the stock is nice with origonal finish and no cracks. P under the pistol grip with a letter C and numbers stamped in the wood. side plate right side is u.s. springfield. top of receiver is u.s. model 1873. top of barrel has proofs and bore is clean. can you tell me the worth of this (ball park figure) i know nothing about these. serial number is 358356.

thank you.

[wolfie]

additional pictures40595405964059740598

[Dick Hosmer]

The .45-70 Springfield was the standard US Army weapon system from 1873 until 1894, though many were used by State troops in the Spanish-American War of 1898, and the Philippine Insurrection of 1901/02. Total production of all types was around 570,000. You have the most common configuration - they are not rare, or even scarce; condition plays a huge factor with such pieces. Limited production arms like carbines, cadet rifles (for West Point) and several experimental versions issued for trial, are valuable. Earlier versions, converted from CW muskets, were in .50-70 caliber.

Even after 50 years of collecting, I am constantly amazed at the number of people who admit to knowing nothing about something, yet purchase one and then ask what it is worth! Yours is probably a bit above average as found, date and number agree, and perhaps worth approx. $650-$750, at least in my area. Hope that helps.

[wolfie]

yes, it helps. thank you. i'm into ww2 GI but, it was the overall condition that caught my eye. it cost me 800.00 and happy with it. if it was a rust bucket or cracked stock i would have pass it up.

[Dick Hosmer]

I took a second look at your pictures with a bigger monitor and will have to say that it is a bit nicer than I'd first thought - you are likely OK at the price you paid. We should, and hopefully do, buy these things because we love them, not with the idea of turning a quick buck, though it would not be wise for a person to totally ignore the financial end of the deal. You have a fine rifle; enjoy!

[wolfie]

thank you sir for the info. as i stated, it was the condition that caught my eye. i love our history and take it very seriously in the preservation of its artifacts. thanks again for your time and info.

[blackhawknj]

It has a Buffington rear sight, hence an M1884. Looks to be in nice shape.

[Dick Hosmer]

Sort of a pushmepullyou during that (1886) period.

Yes, because of the M1884 Buffington sight it IS physically identical to the later (so marked) M1884 rifles. But, breech-blocks marked 1873 were used to exhaustion, well into 1887. So, it could also be (properly) called a Model 1873 Rifle with M1884 rear sight. Nice rifle.

[Fred]

Hi Wolfie. Nice case colors on that breech plug.
I wanted to let you know that what you called the pistol grip is called the wrist. A pistol grip is something completely different.
Nice rifle! Thanks for sharing.

[free1954]

this site lists date of manufacture at 1887 http://oldguns.net/sn_php/mildateslookup.php?file=us_trapdoor.dat

[wolfie]

thank you guys for the info and help.