Springfield Trapdoor Bannerman Special - Might be a Shooter

[Patrick Chadwick]

"Year of Manufacture: Unknown (1889-1990 ???)"

Well it seems to be the

US
Model
1878

- you can just make out the marking on the block! ´See Frasca/Hill "The 45-70 Springfield" p.158.

Serial number is 479952
- produced in 1890
1889 ended at 470246
1890 ended at 502492
so linear interpolation suggest a date of manufacture March-April 1890.

BUT this number would have been a Model 1884, and the Buffington sight had long been introduced (1885).
So I suspect this is some kind of mixture.

Maybe a real Trapdoor expert can say something about the markings?

P.S: the band is the wrong way around. The U (= UP) must be so that it is the right way up when the rifle is racked.

P.P.S: The spoon-shaped spring in the barrel channel provides friction to hold the ramrod in place.

P.P.P.S: Pages183-185 of Frasca/Hill list typical points to be checked on dubious Springfields. Note the 1890 "Lovell Specials" - that may be what you have acquired.

I would not be bothered by all this if the rifle is a good shooter. However, should you one day be inclined to pay serious money for a supposedly original Trapdoor, get the book first!

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[dttuner]

"Year of Manufacture: Unknown (1889-1990 ???)"

Well it seems to be the

US
Model
1878

- you can just make out the marking on the block! ´See Frasca/Hill "The 45-70 Springfield" p.158.

Serial number is 479952
- produced in 1890
1889 ended at 470246
1890 ended at 502492
so linear interpolation suggest a date of manufacture March-April 1890.

BUT this number would have been a Model 1884, and the Buffington sight had long been introduced (1885).
So I suspect this is some kind of mixture.

Maybe a real Trapdoor expert can say something about the markings?

P.S: the band is the wrong way around. The U (= UP) must be so that it is the right way up when the rifle is racked.

P.P.S: The spoon-shaped spring in the barrel channel provides friction to hold the ramrod in place.

P.P.P.S: Pages183-185 of Frasca/Hill list typical points to be checked on dubious Springfields. Note the 1890 "Lovell Specials" - that may be what you have acquired.

I would not be bothered by all this if the rifle is a good shooter. However, should you one day be inclined to pay serious money for a supposedly original Trapdoor, get the book first!

What a great response! Thanks so much!

"1890 Lovell Specials" - awesome, now I have another lead to hunt down on the internet
"Frasca/Hill "The 45-70 Springfield"" - looking for this book as we speak. thanks.
"P.S: the band is the wrong way around. The U (= UP)" - Thanks for this. Oops.
"P.P.S: The spoon-shaped spring in the barrel channel provides friction to hold the ramrod in place." - ahh, got it.

This particular rifle was purchased for very little money, from a friend of a friend. I figured I couldn't go wrong.
In fact, if this can be shot (after much research, and verification by a gunsmith) I'll see the purchase as a windfall.
Prefer shooting a "beater" to wear-out, and learn about Springfield Trapdoors. Playing with, researching, and hopefully one day shooting this rifle will surely get me hooked on Springfield Trapdoors, and also motivate me to get a 45-70 reloading setup. Once the 45-70 foundation is in place, I'm going to want an original Trapdoor. No doubt about it.
My father in law has a really nice, all original Trapdoor which was gifted to him by a close family friend, and former WWII Army Colonel. Makes me wanna fly out to see the in-laws ASAP! =P

Additional characteristics of the gun:
- Hammer/Action only has 2 clicks. Half-cock, and Full-cock.

edit - Wow, best price for the two "Frasca/Hill, The 45-70 Springfield" books is $120?!?
Books