Just a quick note about an old soldier I've acquired. It's a 50/70 trapdoor Ser # 31854 (both breech and barrel), with an 1870 dated breechblock and a 1863 side plate. Overall condition is pretty good with a patina over most of the steel and a good stock with just a bit of the cartouche still visable.
The reason for the post is that the rifle has an interesting sling on it. The sling is stamped "Watervliet Arsenal" and a local collector told me that the sling may be worth more then the rifle.
Does this sound reasonable to you folks here? I believe the rifle is in nice shape and certainly is a good shooter. But now I am considering putting the sling up so it doesn't get damaged if it's that valuable.
Any thoughts? Thanks.

Art
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