smoothbore trapdoor springfield
ok, i have recently came across a smoothbore trapdoor springfield with a 9,xxx serial number. was there such a thing, is this something somebody built, is it rare. what is it worth. the stock has been drilled for a sling swivel other than that is seems to be original, not in the cleanest condition, but ok for something that is over 100 years old.
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Hi - Yes, there was a "Trapdoor" shotgun made. It was a 20-gauge cut down from a rifle. However, it had its own unique serial number from 1-1376 and the breechblock was stamped 1881 in italics.
I've seen several smoothbore Trapdoors over the years, either bored out for shotgun use or deliberate fakes trying to pass them off as an original issued shotgun. The markings - or lack thereof - always give them away.0 -
this is still stamped 1873 on the block, it doesnt have the normal blade sight you would think of a trapdoor having, it has a bead more like a shotgun. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by jethro75
this is still stamped 1873 on the block, it doesnt have the normal blade sight you would think of a trapdoor having, it has a bead more like a shotgun.
An original "Forager" would NOT be dated 1873 on the block; it would be dated 1873 on the third line of the lockplate such as the picture below. The block is ONLY stamped 1881 as also shown below. Finally, the serial number on the breech would be between 1 and 1376. The barrel is screwed on from the bottom, not with a barrel band. The barrel is 26" long and the trigger guard is from a carbine. The lock has a 2-click tumbler.
Francis Bannerman and Sons of NY commonly made smoothbore shotguns from surplus Trapdoor rifles. I suspect that is what you have.
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