.50 Trapdoor, but I can't figure out which model!

[rcmkhm]

This one has me stumped, gentlemen. I've referred to Richard Hosmer's book and can't quite figure this old girl out. She has characteristics of both the 1868 and 1870 Springfield. Here is how I would describe her. Lock plate is "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" with eagle and dated "1863." Block is marked "1870/eagle head/crossed arrows/U.S." Barrel length breech to where it meets receiver is 30 1/2". Total length is about 51 3/4". Ramrod is single shoulder and is 34 1/2". Stock length is 47 1/2. Barrel is .50 cal and it sure does not look lined (at least I cannot see the line at the muzzle). No serial number on right side where witness marks are (witness marks are present). Rear sight is 1861 type with aperture for 300 yds and notch for 500 yds. Sight folds down towards the butt end (i.e., hinge part of sight is towards muzzle) and sight is 5/8" from rear band and 2 1/2" from receiver. There are witness marks present in front and rear of rear sight. No other markings appear on the metal. Remnant of oval cartouche on left stock flat. Does anyone know what this old gal is? Thanks! Chip PS, I can't attach photos for some reason so let me know your email and I can send them that way if anyone wants them. Thanks

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[Fred G.]

It sounds to me as if you might have a Model 1870 rifle. I say this because of the distance of the rear sight from the receiver. Your cleaning rod is of the early issue on the 1870's which was just like the 1868 rods because they were in fact using 1868 rods for the earliest rifles produced. Does your rear band have a tightening screw like on the 1868? If so, again, I believe they were using up remaining parts of the 1868 rifle production on the earliest 1870's. There is of course some overlap of parts that went on as the supply of 1868 parts was being exhausted and the production of the newer parts had taken place. By the way, the serial numbers on the Model 1868 rifles were on the Left side of the barrel / receiver. The 1870 model rifles, with some exceptions, didn't have any numbers on that area of the barrel / receiver. If your rifle has no numbers at all, that just varifies that it is in all probablility a Model 1870. I too have a Model 1870 rifle with the early features. I could be wrong on all of this, but I don't think so. Dick Culver or somebody else should be able to assist you further or correct me. Fred G.

[mannparks]

ask these guys----www.trapdoorcollector.com/index.html