First Trapdoor

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  • jarrodeu
    Junior Member
    • Sep 2010
    • 21

    #1

    First Trapdoor

    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
    Attached Files
  • jarrodeu
    Junior Member
    • Sep 2010
    • 21

    #2
    Here are a few more pictures.
    Jarrod
    Attached Files

    Comment

    • Dick Hosmer
      Very Senior Member - OFC
      • Aug 2009
      • 5993

      #3
      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.

      Comment

      • mannparks
        Senior Member
        • Jan 2010
        • 377

        #4
        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

        Comment

        • mannparks
          Senior Member
          • Jan 2010
          • 377

          #5
          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

          Comment

          • Tkacook
            Senior Member
            • Jun 2011
            • 232

            #6
            Looks like a fine rifle. The 50-70 is fun to reload and fun to shoot with black powder.

            Andy
            Never Give Up, Never Surrender!

            Comment

            • jarrodeu
              Junior Member
              • Sep 2010
              • 21

              #7
              Yes, it is dovetailed in (somewhat crudely). Thanks for your help!
              Jarrod

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