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What does one who is new to 1873 springfields need to look for when examining supposedly "correct" pre-1876 rifles? Any "bannerman" things to look for?
Lock plate differences?
Breech block markings?
I know about the thin wrist and the later type stocks, different sights, etc. But am not sure about the actual markings on the parts above, as I have heard that the markings changed during the production run.
One thing to be aware of, friend, is the fact that a military Armourer is in the business of getting rifles back together in order that they may be shot. He is not in the business of precise restoration to "as-factory condition" for collectors 140 years down the road.
What do you do if you have a '73 rifle with an '84 lock..... and an '84 rifle with a '73 lock? A collector would say both are garbage. The Army would say they are just fine for shooting: diametrically opposed opinions, yet both are correct within their own parameters. YOU might even see POTENTIAL in both rifles.
Just the opinion of a guy who doesn't fit volley sights to every Lee-Enfield.
I am sure that we have people here who can advise you better.
Good luck.
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