1884 trap doors
I am goining to be looking at 2 trap door models 1884 springfield 45-70 #1 s/n 528523 good condition. #2 s/n 209912 stock dated 1882 but stock was redone asking price is $1400. each is their any one out there with knowledge of the 1884 trapdoor.
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Price seems high; do a search here on GB and you'll get a good idea of current sales. Good luck.[:D]
Don't assume malice for what stupidity can explain.0 -
Hello gt27...
The price IS high for #1, and is absurd for #2. I see LOTS of nice condition Springfield Trapdoors for $800 - $1100 at every gun show I attend, and Little John has three or four in his shop for sale in that price range. $1400 is simply too much (unless the gun is in near mint condition... and that second one definitely is not).
Bert H.
Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!0 -
Have to agree with Hairy! For the most part the value is derived from originallity and the presence of absence of the left wrist stock cartouche and the P firing proof on the bottom of stock in front of the trigger guard. Other factors, aside from rarity of the model include the amoount of original case colr hardening on the trap and the amount of blue on the rest of the gun. Many of these fine old rifles were arsenal refurbed at one point or another, so to find one issued, in excellent condition with all original matching parts is quite a coup. In essence, part of what I'm attempting to say by that is just because all the parts don't seem right according to the books(addition of Buffington rear sight on an earlier model for example) doesn't mean it is a "forgery"; arsenal refurbs included such things as updated sights etc. sometimes, though not all guns made it htrough that process.
One good source to check would be the website www.trapdoors.com ( www.trapdoorcollector.com is a great forum for these too!) as they seem to have a good overall selection most of the time and would give you a decent representation as to what is available on the market in general, and for what appropriate price.
For an altered Trapdoor...$1400 is way high and I cannot imagine what would make it worth that kind of money. I recently saw one in nearly pristine condition with %90 case color and virtually perfect and unaltered in any discernable way condition start at $1500 and eventually go for about $2000. That one was doubtless worth it! For an altered gun in good, refinished condition, expect to pay about $500 to $600 and no more as its' value is as more of a shooter.
E-mail me through my profile and I will attempt to send you a nice link regarding the different model specs. for the major trapdoor models, and give you more info if I am able!
P.S. Have you checked Norm Flaydermanns book yet? Kinda'
the bible for guns of this vintage!
P.S.S. Bert beats me to the punch yet again!!! Freakin' fast
typist, you!!
"When I cease learning...I'm dead"(Me)
"Power corrupts...Absolute power corrupts absolutely"(Descartes?)
"History is written by winners"(Patton)
"You get a lot farther with a kind word and a gun than you do with a kind word alone!"(Al Capone)
"There is nothing lower than the human race...except the French" (Samuel Clemens)0
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