M1882 Short Rifle #197404

[Bill Faye]

Here is a 1882 rbr and another of the 1880 - 1881 exp
Other than removing the bayos I have not done any other disassembly or comparisons.

[Dick Hosmer]

Ahhhh, one of the lucky (very) few!! I can only hope that mine turns out to look even close to that! Thank you so much for sharing. Yours looks (as it should) much like Craig's, but gives me just a slightly different angle. What is your serial number? Is it one of the known specimens listed by Al Frasca (and in my little guidebook as well)? Bill, another question if I may: What is the story behind the standard upper band? Did not think that style was ever made to fit the "fat" barrel? Thanks.

[JimM]

Dick, After you soak this in Coca-Cola for a few days to pit it slightly, will you have to apply any kind of bluing or finish to make it match the rest of the parts. Thanks, Jim M

[Dick Hosmer]

That's going to be an experience. Not even sure I will use the Coke treatment (recommended by an old machinist friend MANY years ago) and, if I do, will have to get the imported stuff which, AFAIK, is still made to the old formula. That should not be an issue because I live in a town with a large Latino population and the stuff is available. I don't know if current US Coke will pit (don't know that it won't, either).

Another method, recommended by the late Bob Hill (Al Frasca's co-author for his first book, and a long-time acquaintance of mine) was to roll the part in heavy oil, then black powder - then light it off (!!!) and don't clean it for awhile.

Right now, I am still on the 'mechanical' items, and will delay all finish treatments (including those parts of the stock which were sanded) until I've seen how it has all turned out, making sure ALL surfaces are "final". I have 44-40 cold blue and Casey's plum brown. Will probably wind up with a mixture, likely several coats, rubbed almost off at each layer, until I get the best overall look that I can. I've got bright metal and several different shades of blue/brown/gray to try and harmonize. My goal is to try and make it look at least as good as the original just posted.

[John S.]

Recommend a "rust blue" rather than 44-40 or other cold blue.
Rust blue is pretty easy, just time consuming (waiting for it to rust) and a bit of busy work to clean it and apply next coat. Maybe apply a thin wash of brown quickly wiped off to age it a bit as a final step.

[Bill Faye]

Dick - yes the 1882 is one of the known and in your book. Ser # 197402. The standard upper band is on the 1981 experimental (?) rifle. This is basically a 1873 rifle with the 1882 bayonet system. It is ser #187796* and has a SWP/1981 cartouche. This is originally found and bought by Burt Kellerstedt in 1975 and is discussed in US Martial Arms collector in 1994. I found this reference in the trapdoor newsletters. Is it an experimental gun or a very clever fabrication? I believe it is Springfield produced. It came to me out of G Mollers collection.

[Dick Hosmer]

Impressive provenance! So then, if I understand correctly, you have shown bits of THREE rifles? A normal 1880, the oddball, and a normal 1882? Would it be possible to see the serial number of 197402? There is a small anomaly on 197404 (last three digits quite close together) that might be visible on your gun as well. I'm not concerned about the originality, the stamping is old, definitely in the proper font, etc. and well worn.

[Bill Faye]

Yes, 3 different guns. I posted here to this thread so in the future if someone is searching for 1882's info it is here with your build which btw is coming along very nicely. I will try to get a picture of the serial number later today.

[Bill Faye]

Dick - Here is the 1882 rbr ser#.

[Dick Hosmer]

Thanks Bill! I have to admit that your photo is one that I opened with some trepidation. Will have to compare it with mine - which is in much rougher condition, and the 404 seems rather crowded together. The piece has what I believe to be genuine age, and does NOT look like it was dicked with. It came from the late Bill Rutter's estate - he also had a complete one, though I did not record the serial number when I saw it, 30-odd years ago. Here's the L&G auction (have to give them credit for a great image) pic of my serial number. Guess it's not such a bad 'match' after all. I'm relieved. Interesting to compare two strikings done minutes (seconds?) apart

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