Ultimate trapdoor identification guide?
Hello. Despite a tremendous number of web resources on Springfield trapdoors, I am still confused about identifying it. Is there an ultimate (free) guide, preferably with photos?
There are the various M series, year of production, and bayonet and rod types, plus allen conversions and number of barrel bands... etc.
Mine is a 45-70 that says Model 1873 on the breech block, has a cartouche likely 1888 or 89, and a serial number in the 496xxx range. This seems to imply a 1889 production year, but is it an M73 or something else? Were they still making 73 models even after introducing the 88, if so, what's the difference?
Thanks for the help. I want to get this right.....
There are the various M series, year of production, and bayonet and rod types, plus allen conversions and number of barrel bands... etc.
Mine is a 45-70 that says Model 1873 on the breech block, has a cartouche likely 1888 or 89, and a serial number in the 496xxx range. This seems to imply a 1889 production year, but is it an M73 or something else? Were they still making 73 models even after introducing the 88, if so, what's the difference?
Thanks for the help. I want to get this right.....
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After the trapdoors became obsolete in the 1890's. Many were sold off as surplus including spare parts. Also given to schools, veterans organizations etc etc.
You probably got a parts gun pure and simple. Flayderman notes that the Model 1882's were cut off in the 500,00 range in 1891. Unless somehow your rifle was fitted with early breech block as late as 1890, don't seem it's correct IMHO.
No telling at this late date who put it together, or why. Chances are this would have a negative affect on value as far as collectors are concerned, as it wouldn't be considered arsenal original.0 -
Your rifle is actually a Model 1884, but as rufe-snow noted, there were a tremendous number of surplus Trapdoors and parts after the introduction of the Springfield Krag bolt action rifle. As a result, it is very common to find them made from parts of various models as they were mostly interchangeable except for the very early models.
The best printed source would be Al Frasca's book "The .45-70 Springfield 1865-1893". Al also has a website showing various models at www.trapdoorcollector.com0 -
The .45-70 Trapdoor Springfield had a long service life. Introduced in 1873, significant improvements came along from time to time noteably in 1879, 1884, and 1888. As new guns appeared with the improvements, it was common for earlier models still in service to be upgraded with the improvements if possible. Your 1873 dated breech block could have been used to make a gun anytime up to 1884, and maybe even a bit later until supplies ran out. If your gun was assembled in the early 1870s, the changes you noted could have been done at an ordinance facility, or as already noted, could have been done by a civilian supplier such as Bannerman's after the gun was declared surplus. Close inspection by a collector of trapdoors should be able to tell which.
A good place to start learning about the details of the .45-70 trapdoors is the book "The .45-70 Springfield" by Joe Poyer & Craig Riesch. You can get it from Keith Rush at Trapdoors Galore if you have trouble finding it.
The Allin conversions were the earliest trapdoors but were not .45-70s. The first Allin conversion fired an .58 caliber rimfire cartridge. The second Allin conversion (Model 1866) used an inside primed .50-70 cartridge. The Model 1868 and 1860 guns also fired the .50-70. A good reference for these models is "The .58 and .50 Caliber Rifles & Carbines of the Springfield Armory 1865 - 1872" by Richard Hosmer.
Hope this helps!0 -
Thanks for the info.
It's in the hands of the gunbroker bidders now....0 -
quote:Originally posted by MikeMc
Thanks for the info.
It's in the hands of the gunbroker bidders now....
What's the auction number?0 -
138233881
I am working on adding more photos.0
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