Hi folks,
I'm not really a military collector to any great extent, but have sort of wanted a 45-70 trapdoor for a while & got a decent deal on one a little while back. I'm not that interested in whether it's terribly collectible, but am curious as to what I have & thought you guys would be a good source of knowledge.
PICTURE:

Here's the info:
Serial number : 104921
Trapdoor marked: U.S. MODEL 1873
Sideplate: Eagle, U.S. SPRINGFIELD ...very clear & defined
Has good Buffington sight, rear barrel band indented to fit.
Barrel bands marked: U
3-click hammer
forward trigger guard plate marked: A
Trigger grooved & cross-hatched

barrel markings: note "T" at top edge

Ramrod (may not be orig to this rifle):

Someone refinished the stock at some point (thankfully not below the level of the metal components), but the cartouche, if it had one, is gone unless this is what remains of it:

What should the cartouche likely be on this one?
There are also 18 "kill" marks on the stock that were partly lost in the refinish:


Metal has little finish left..more on sideplate and action than barrel, but not much damage. Some old, light pitting in misc. areas. Stock is solid. Bore is very good. Action is fairly tight, but can be shifted slightly side to side. Has swivels & stacking swivel. Has a 1908 Rock Island Arsenal sling in good shape.

Any information or speculation you guys could offer would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Bill
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