+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 10 of 10

Thread: Springfield 1873 Trap-Door Rifle - Information?

Click here to increase the font size Click here to reduce the font size
  1. #1
    Legacy Member S&WOwner's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Last On
    02-01-2021 @ 07:10 AM
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    10
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    01:44 PM

    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!












    Information
    Warning: This is a relatively older thread
    This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

  2. # ADS
    Friends and Sponsors
    Join Date
    October 2006
    Location
    Milsurps.Com
    Posts
    All Threads
    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
    Advisory Panel Patrick Chadwick's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Last On
    06-25-2023 @ 06:36 AM
    Location
    Germany
    Posts
    5,032
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    08:44 PM
    I think we had exactly the same confusion on this forum a couple of months ago, because of a deeply stamped 3 looking like a worn 8.
    Quite simply, the seller misread the stamp on the trapdoor as 1878 instead of 1873.

  4. Avoid Ads - Become a Contributing Member - Click HERE
  5. #3
    Legacy Member S&WOwner's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Last On
    02-01-2021 @ 07:10 AM
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    10
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    01:44 PM
    Thread Starter
    Quote Originally Posted by Patrick Chadwick View Post
    I think we had exactly the same confusion on this forum a couple of months ago, because of a deeply stamped 3 looking like a worn 8.
    Quite simply, the seller misread the stamp on the trapdoor as 1878 instead of 1873.
    Thanks!

  6. #4
    Contributing Member Tom in N.J.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Last On
    Today @ 11:52 AM
    Location
    Nothern New Jersey, USA
    Posts
    605
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    02:44 PM
    Who punched over the serial number so that it can no longer be read.

  7. #5
    Legacy Member S&WOwner's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Last On
    02-01-2021 @ 07:10 AM
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    10
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    01:44 PM
    Thread Starter
    Quote Originally Posted by Tom in N.J. View Post
    Who punched over the serial number so that it can no longer be read.
    Like a fool - I purchased this puppy before doing any research. I didn't realize that that was the spot for a serial number. Yea, I know - STUPID!

  8. #6
    Legacy Member S&WOwner's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Last On
    02-01-2021 @ 07:10 AM
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    10
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    01:44 PM
    Thread Starter
    OK - I found a few threads that identified markings near the butt plate of a Springfield as being (top to bottom) Infantry, Company and Rack Number. Assuming that "might" be true - can anyone help me ID the markings on my puppy?

    MARK: "I"?
    MARK: "C", "D" or "O"?
    MARK: "23"

    Thanks!


  9. #7
    Legacy Member Fred G.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Last On
    03-03-2024 @ 02:21 PM
    Location
    Nebraska
    Age
    69
    Posts
    456
    Real Name
    Fred Gaarde
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    12:44 PM
    Your rear barrel band is on backwards. The U is always supposed to be on the right side with the opening of the U towards the muzzle. It's tapered to fit the barrel's taper.

  10. #8
    Legacy Member S&WOwner's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Last On
    02-01-2021 @ 07:10 AM
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    10
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    01:44 PM
    Thread Starter
    Thanks Fred - it has been reversed!

  11. #9
    Legacy Member Fred G.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Last On
    03-03-2024 @ 02:21 PM
    Location
    Nebraska
    Age
    69
    Posts
    456
    Real Name
    Fred Gaarde
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    12:44 PM
    Neat rifle. Say, I noticed in the photo of the butt plate tang (Great detailed photo by the way) that there's lumpy surface rust on it. Here's what I read in an old book on collecting antique guns about dealing with that. They say to take a razor blade, maybe a Teflon coated one, and using the edge like a paint scraper, gently scrape away the surface crud while applying drops of Oil on it as you go. It really works quite well and doesn't result in any damage or scratches to the steel if done correctly with the Oil. I highly recommend the technique and have used it on all sorts of neglected antique firearms. Try it.

  12. #10
    Legacy Member S&WOwner's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Last On
    02-01-2021 @ 07:10 AM
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    10
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    01:44 PM
    Thread Starter
    Thanks Fred - I will give it a try and let you know how it goes. Thanks!

+ Reply to Thread

Similar Threads

  1. Pristine 1873 Trap door on gun broker
    By A. F Medic in forum Commercial Auction and Sale "Gossip"
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 07-08-2015, 04:51 PM
  2. Help me Identify - Springfield Trap Door, or Fake?
    By dttuner in forum Black Powder
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 02-17-2015, 09:36 AM
  3. Working the 1873 Springfield Trap-Door Single-Shot Rifle
    By Newsfeed Hound in forum The Watering Hole OT (Off Topic) Forum
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 09-23-2010, 01:00 AM
  4. 1873 Trap door.
    By A. F Medic in forum Other U.S. Service Rifles
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 06-23-2009, 03:57 PM
  5. trap door value
    By wellcraft in forum Other U.S. Service Rifles
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 03-18-2009, 12:22 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
Raven Rocks