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Question on Trapdoor authenticity

1K views 7 replies 4 participants last post by  steved66 
#1 · (Edited)
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!

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#4 ·
It's likely not a Model 1866 rifle. If the breech block has only "1869" without "Model" on it, then it is a Model 1868. Model 1866 rifles will have "1866" on the breech block (see picture). Model 1866 rifles will have three barrel bands (with the exception of Cadet rifles). Model 1868 and later will have two barrel bands. Model 1866 rifles will have two screws securing the breech block and an extractor in the center of the hinge. Model 1868 and later rifles will have no screws on top of the breech block and have an extractor tab on the left side of the breech block. To give you an absolute answer, we would need to see pictures of the rifle in question.


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