Three 1868's

[Fred]

Here are just a few photos of my three old worn out model 1868 Springfield trapdoors. They and an 1866 Springfield are the only trapdoors I have.
I'm just messing around with my iPhone camera in the dim light.

image.jpg

[Fred]

image.jpg

[Fred]

image.jpg

[Fred]

image.jpg

[Fred]

So, does anyone notice anything of interest about these rifles??

[Dick Hosmer]

I'll abstain.

[Fred]

LOL. I think I know maybe why such rifles don't seem to show up and get noticed more often than they do. They must still be out there somewhere. Nobody is looking or noticing. LOL

[Dick Hosmer]

LOL. I think I know maybe why such rifles don't seem to show up and get noticed more often than they do. They must still be out there somewhere. Nobody is looking or noticing. LOL

Even when properly presented! #62 was correctly described AND well photographed for its' Gunbroker sale. It finally went for no more than any other extremely fine 1868 but with a common date.

I was scared s**tless the well-to-do Eastern collector who owns #63 would see the ad, then step in and take it no matter what it cost.

Fred, there is another goal for you - a matched pair!

[Fred]

You were fortunate that the other guy wasn't paying attention to what was showing up that day! It's a Beautiful 1868 Dick! It really is.

If I see #61, I'll give you a heads up!

[alfajim]

Just to let you guys know I have the receiver for #65 it is at Al's for pictures and posting. It is in great condition except a broken ear on the right side.
If the original barrel is around somewhere it could be made whole again with the parts out there.

Jim

[Mark Daiute]

So, does anyone notice anything of interest about these rifles??

OK, I'll step in and show my ignorance, unless it is the rear sight on the top rilfe, what am I missing?

By the way, I'd rather see these photos here than anywhere else.

[Fred]

The dates of their manufacture are on each breech block. Only about 150 such rifles were assembled in 1868, and are so stamped.
Also, did you notice their Serial Numbers?

[Mark Daiute]

Doh!

Thanks, Fred.

[Fred]

There must be other early 1868's out there in garages and closets and gun cabinets, but they don't get noticed by most people.
There are only 19 such rifles known anywhere to have survived.
Only 11 are in private collections.
I was able to find a couple of new and as of then, unknown rifles, #6 and #127 and Dick Hosmer was able to find #62.
Somewhere , hidden away unnoticed, must be others.

[Dick Hosmer]

Applying the old rule of thumb of 25% average survival rate for 19th century martial arms would - if my guess of 150 is correct - give around 40, so there is hope.

It took me over 45 years to find mine - Fred was a bit luckier, though one of his three (#86) is a specimen long known to collectors.