Trapdoor Carbine - mfg 1874?

[PRC148]

I have a buddy looking to sell me his Trapdoor carbine. All have to go off of right now is the serial number and two photos. Opinions from what the photos may tell? I see the upgraded later sight......I'm getting more pics that may answer many questions I have (is it a cut down stock etc.)
S/N 33031

[musketshooter]

It looks like a correct Model '84. I don't think you have listed the full serial number. It is certainly not an 1874 production model.

[Tom Trevor]

Musket shooter is correct 1884 have him lift the hammer and read the sixth number under it. Could be a real carbine but made in 1886. Trap in buttstock?

[PRC148]

Maybe short one number on the S/N

Thanks for the heads up on the S/N. I'm away from my library and he's away from his rifle so it will be a while. I just went off of what he could remember. He's not a big collector of US Militia arms but knows his foreign stuff. When I have more information, I'll post it. His first price is $1000, but I'll dig in deeper before I make any counter.

[Tom Trevor]

Do not consider paying anywhere near that for it.

[PRC148]

I'll have pics in about two weeks. Why shouldn't, if the pics are positive, I pay about $ 1k? Did I miss some sarcasm? Prices for a model 1884 carbine seem to be well above that. The photos will tell.

[Dick Hosmer]

Assuming that the serial number is clarified, and that the forthcoming pics do not introduce negative issues, I don't see anything wrong with $1000+/- as a retail price, especially between friends, where it is hoped that neither is trying to take advantage of the other.

I see no obvious parts conflicts (for a later carbine - if it truly is 33xxx, then there are LOTS of upgrades, some unlikely to be official) and wear & color certainly appear uniform and commensurate with one another.

[PRC148]

photo update

Here are a few follow-on photos with info:
"Cannot see any cartouche on the left.
Serial number is 330310
Bore is bright, can see rifling down barrel.
Partial blue left.
Light pitting over most of the rifle. *(my comment: ouch unless it is a solid SRS hit)
breach block is 1884
The butt plate has a swivel door with cleaning kit hole under, no cleaning rod channel."

What other pictures should I ask my seller buddy for? I can also ship it to me for inspection.......

[Tom Trevor]

No sarcasm was intended it my post and after looking at the pictures 1K is still very strong. No hit in the SRS records the closest number is 330311 and its not a carbine. In fact there is not another carbine within several thousand numbers of this one but it llooks like a real carbine based on the pictures.
Perhaps Mr. Hosmer will give his opinion of value as I may be just a bit jaded in my old age.

[Dick Hosmer]

After seeing the additional pics, I tend to agree with Tom - $1000 is a lot of money for that particular gun - it might be right, it might not, the SRS gap is not an absolute kiss of death, but it is a bit of a red flag. It is just not appealing to me. Rode hard and put away wet comes to mind. Sorry, but I think this is one of those cases where you could bide your time, pay a little more, and get a lot better.

[PRC148]

I concur. For what I've seen so far, the "gotta have it" bug hasn't bitten. I'll keep looking around......carbine would be nice but I'd rather hunt for a nice 84'. Thank you for the advice.

[jt2778]

This to anyone who cares to reply. I'm a smalltime collector and as such don't post here very much. I have an 1873 TD Carbine in the Custer sn range, under 50,000. After reading the newest American Rifleman, I started wondering how could I determine the likelihood of it being at Little Bighorne? JT in GA.

[Dick Hosmer]

I have collected TDs for 45 years and own three early carbines: 16572, 34752, 43584. See www.picturetrail.com/sa4570af. All are close to known 7th Cav guns - of which about 65 are known, with varying degrees of probability. I have not yet received this month's AR; apparently there is an article in it?

I have a list of about 1200 early carbine serials compiled over that period - I may even have recorded yours. Some areas are "hotter" than others. If you do not want to post your serial here you can email or PM me.

My second book is at the publishers now - and the list will be published therein. I'd be glad to include yours if you wish - just the number, nothing else.