A trapdoor follwed me home

[DRAGONFLYDF]

I wish, but I did add another to the collection, a Model 1878 with a 1892 cartouche,
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I'll get some better photos up later, all I had was my tablet to take photos with.

Serial is 339980 if someone can do a SRS check

[DRAGONFLYDF]

Here are some better photos, and a couple of questions, the trigger is grooved, where as my other 1878 is smooth, which cleaning rod is correct, my first one has the large head and this one is much smaller.

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[DRAGONFLYDF]

and a Family photo
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[Dick Hosmer]

That's an "interesting" rifle. It is, of course, a later 1873, there being no "1878" model. The serial number is WAY off from 1892, which cartouche (while appearing completely genuine) is applied in an odd location. There should not be ANY standard rifles (only rod-bayonet rifles and cadets) bearing that date, so I suspect some sort of refurbishing/repair. I'm sure the double "P" is deeply involved in this small mystery, but such arms were rarely cartouched.

As to cartouche location, my SA-converted cadet 368714, one of 1800, has its' [JSA/1895] stamp in the same place - normally, of course, they are down on the wrist.

The trigger was grooved after January 1883, and there are two (main) differences in rod heads. What you have there (the smooth one) would be correct for that period. What is the s/n of the one (again not an "1878") with the sling? The grooved head rod could well be proper there as well. I'd also be interested in the number of what appears to be a restocked early 1873 carbine?

[DRAGONFLYDF]

Thx for the info Dick,
so it sounds like I have a attempted restoration, I did clean up the lock and breech and you should have seen the crud left in the ultrasonic cleaner.

I had posted about the other two trapdoors before, the rifle is 311242 http://www.jouster.com/forums/showth...the-collection
and the carbine is 36983 http://www.jouster.com/forums/showth...gfield-Carbine

[Dick Hosmer]

Thanks, how soon one forgets!

The 331xxx rifle would have had the smooth rod, too, when issued, but that is not a huge issue.

Also, the ring-headed rod (assuming it is original) is worth more, so you should have no trouble swapping if so desired (and perhaps making TWO rifles right at the same time!)

[DRAGONFLYDF]

Dick,
did the 1892 cartouche only apply to the rod bayonet rifles ? I had the butt plate off and there is no cut out for the cleaning rods. What do you think the values are, as I believe I paid low fow them, but will need to adjust my insurance and would like a street price.

Oh, I love shooting them, I was hitting a 12in plate at 200yds with black powder loads.

[Dick Hosmer]

Untouched, the carbine would be a $5000 +/- piece, as is, more like $2000; the rifles, probably $600-$750 or so.

[DRAGONFLYDF]

Dick,
any chance of a srs check ? It is 339980
Thx,
Matt