Wow, what a difference that turned out to be. Looks great!
I looked up the book you referenced and found that that author has a book on the Krag, 1903, Garand, etc. I will definitely be buying them for future purchases.
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No great surprise. Before paying that kind of money for any rifle, get first-class information.
In particular, "The 45-70 Springfield" by Frasca & Hill. P181 ff. describes how obsolete (and condemned) parts were sold off and then used by private companies to assemble "bitser" Trapdoors, with early serial numbers being frequent to con the clueless into thinking that they were getting an early original! Google "Bannerman Arms" and see what comes up.
Yes, the book is expensive. Buying a fake is more expensive.
$1100 is high unless it is very, very nice. I paid under $600 for a nice shooter about 6 months ago. They are around.
OK, thanks for the replies. I'll wait until a better one comes around