1873 Trapdoor with brass fittings

[Tkacook]

I would offer that it is some sort of ceremonial rifle perhaps belonging to a local VFW at some point. Looks like it was done a long time ago. I would also look into a local plating shop that might be able to remove the plating. Worth a shot and it would look better.

TKacook

[psteinmayer]

Remove the plating and rust-blue the parts.

[Dick Hosmer]

Any opinions from anyone as to what you may feel would be a realistic value of this carbine?

Many Thanks!
James

That' a tough question. It kinda depends about how selective one wants to be about owning an apparently correct "Custer era" carbine. The stock is pure gold, probably worth a couple of thousand to that one right person who has great metal and a faked stock. Such wood is simply no longer obtainable. Carefully refinishing the metal, so as to look believable (and NOT new!!) from 5 feet, If it were mine, I'd ask around $5,000 to start, and figure to negotiate down. My .$02 only - others may not agree.

[foxfirerodandgun]

Thanks to everyone who responded to my inquiry. I really appreciate your honest, and direct, input. If I can be of help to anyone in the future please contact me. Thanks again!!

James

[dave]

Can't the plating be removed by reversing the procedure. Seems I have heard, read this can be done?

[foxfirerodandgun]

Yes, I believe that someone mentioned that reverse electrolysis would remove the plating. I'm not sure that I would want to try something like this though. With my luck, I'd mess it up worse than it already is.

[dave]

I would check with a specialist plating shop, start with one small part, see how it works out. May not be cost effective tho.

[11mm]

Yes, I believe that someone mentioned that reverse electrolysis would remove the plating. I'm not sure that I would want to try something like this though. With my luck, I'd mess it up worse than it already is.

I don't think that you could mess the metal up worse than the brass plating does. But that's just my opinion...