Springfield 1873 Trap-Door Rifle - Information?
I just picked up a Springfield 1873 Trap-Door. The seller said it was a Springfield 1878 BUT it sure looks like a 1873. Anyway, the overall length is 52 inches. Any information on this new puppy would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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It could be the seller looked at the stamping on the breech block and thought it was 1878. It appears to be 1873 by both stampings, the sights, stock, hammer. Good representative piece. 0 -
There is no such thing as a Model 1878. You are correct. It's a Model 1873.
Some of the parts are incorrect and some parts have been installed improperly. It's hard to say exactly what it should look like because you gave no serial number.
And, you need to resize your photos.0 -
Contrary to some peoples' misinformation, there is no such thing a s Model 1878. The 3 on the breechblock is very tightly looped, making it look like an 8 to the naked eye of the misinformed.
Is your breech block a high arch or low arch on the underside? What is the serial number stamped beneath the breechblock? It appears to be a fairly early Model 1873 as it has the thin-wristed stock. These were subject to breakage so Springfield extended the comb and thickened the wrist on later models. Your breech block markings are Post-1876 as earlier ones had an eagle's head with crossed arrows and smooth triggers rather that serrated such as yours.
By the way, your rear barrel band is on backwards. The "U" goes on the same side as the lock.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Spider7115
...Is your breech block a high arch or low arch on the underside? What is the serial number stamped beneath the breechblock?
My apologies - a little rough on terms. I found another number (last picture) that looks like "66."
Hope these pictures answer your question...0 -
It looks like the serial number has been purposely obliterated, so there doesn't seem to be any way to date it. But, it does show a mixture of parts from different models and years. So, at best, it's a parts rifle. Not that there's anything wrong with that. 0 -
The serial number is visible just above the number 24 but I can't read it. That would give us the year of manufacture. Mine is 279xx
which would be 1874.0 -
quote:Originally posted by gruntledThe serial number is visible just above the number 24 but I can't read it. That would give us the year of manufacture. Mine is 279xx which would be 1874.
I looked very close - it just looks like their was never a number. Must have been one though - otherwise why the punches.
quote:Originally posted by swearengineIt could be the seller looked at the stamping on the breech block and thought it was 1878. It appears to be 1873 by both stampings, the sights, stock, hammer. Good representative piece.
Thanks!
quote:Originally posted by CheechakoIt looks like the serial number has been purposely obliterated, so there doesn't seem to be any way to date it. But, it does show a mixture of parts from different models and years. So, at best, it's a parts rifle. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Thanks for the info.0 -
It's a parts gun made up of several different vintage parts. Hope you didn't pay collector price for it. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by cbyerlyIt's a parts gun made up of several different vintage parts. Hope you didn't pay collector price for it.
If I had known what I have learned today - would have passed on it. I think I got hosed - it will look nice on the wall though.[:)]0 -
quote:Originally posted by gruntled
The serial number is visible just above the number 24 but I can't read it. That would give us the year of manufacture. Mine is 279xx
which would be 1874.
I wonder what the 24 means? I've looked at about a 1000 1873's and none have a number in that position.0
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