Hello,
I want to start off by apologizing. The trapdoor I have a question about is pre-1873 so it was never technically adopted by the US, but I figured this may still be the better forum to ask. Please let me know if there is a better forum that I overlooked.
I am a new collector and I have been looking at a particular 1869 Springfield Trapdoor for a little while and I've been trying to determine whether or not it is authentic or a replica. It is in amazing condition, and everything matches up, except it has a serial number in the 8000s. From my research only 1296 Model 1866 Trapdoors were produced in 1869 and all others that I have seen have a serial number that is within 1296. It is chambered for 50-70, it has 1863 stamped in the correct spot, the serial number is in the right spot, everything is perfect, but the serial number being in the 8000s is throwing me off.
Would you guys happen to have an explaination for this? Even if you account for all model 1866 Trapdoors, only 3400 total were made. Why is the serial number in the 8000s?
Thanks in advance!
I want to start off by apologizing. The trapdoor I have a question about is pre-1873 so it was never technically adopted by the US, but I figured this may still be the better forum to ask. Please let me know if there is a better forum that I overlooked.
I am a new collector and I have been looking at a particular 1869 Springfield Trapdoor for a little while and I've been trying to determine whether or not it is authentic or a replica. It is in amazing condition, and everything matches up, except it has a serial number in the 8000s. From my research only 1296 Model 1866 Trapdoors were produced in 1869 and all others that I have seen have a serial number that is within 1296. It is chambered for 50-70, it has 1863 stamped in the correct spot, the serial number is in the right spot, everything is perfect, but the serial number being in the 8000s is throwing me off.
Would you guys happen to have an explaination for this? Even if you account for all model 1866 Trapdoors, only 3400 total were made. Why is the serial number in the 8000s?
Thanks in advance!