Any Trapdoor Experts Here?

stevenrayspeck

I Just got this trapdoor rifle and i am trying to verify that it is original and that it is a carbine and not one that someone cutdown. The model number is 1873 and the serial is 146683. I know that any serials 146670 and lower is 7th calvary, So there is a small chance that this is also. Anyone know what the stamp on the left side of stock is.[?]

glabray

Check the front of the stock to see if there is evidence of a ramrod/cleaning rod hole. If the stock is original carbine, there should be none. Most cutdowns have that hole plugged and it should be pretty obvious. The sling loop seems to be well fitted to the wood suggesting an original carbine stock as rifle stocks did not have these. Check the rear sight. If it is an original carbine sight, there should be a C stamped on the left side of the elevator and also on the left face of the base. A rifle sight has an R.

Both inspectors cartouches seem to be sharp and clear. The one on the left side looks like it carries an 1880 date which post-dates Custer by 4 years but is still a very desireable date. The P cartouce on the underside of the stock near the bottom tang is a proof mark. The cartouches for both rifles and carbines were the same. Inspect the cartouches with a magnifier. If they are original, the lines will be pressed into the wood. If somebody recreated them, they will usually show evidence of being scratched into the wood.

The gun appears to be in pretty good shape. Somebody heavily oiled or restained the stock but it doesn't look as if they did a lot of heavy sanding.

A number of carbines with SNs a little lower than yours have been verified as issued to either the 5th or 7th cavalry. Many with SNs a little higher than yours have been identified with the NY Volunteer Infantry.

stevenrayspeck

Thanks glabray. According to everything you said this is a original carbine. So how do i get it verified.[?]

wanted man

Stevenrayspeck,
I don'y know diddly 'bout those old trapdoors. Just wanted to say that's a fine looking old gun you got there and this thread has captured my curiousity............pleeease keep us informed as to your findings concerning the gun?!

Old Fool

Bert H can verify and appreise it for you. Try e-mailing him if he doesn't answere here.

gruntled

quote:Originally posted by glabray
Check the front of the stock to see if there is evidence of a ramrod/cleaning rod hole. If the stock is original carbine, there should be none. Most cutdowns have that hole plugged and it should be pretty obvious.

I'm pretty sure my stock is cut down since there is no inletting for the saddle ring but there also is no sign of the hole you mention.
The serial # on mine is 279## so that puts it in 1874. It may not be original but the price was right. My grandfather got it when his father died & then many years later gave it to me about fourty years ago. The dollar value doesn't matter since you can never sell something like this.