Thanks for the welcome, Dick. Great to have access to the knowledge resident here.
As for my new Model 1873...having it in hand now, I hesitate to post it here as this is the Trapdoor 'Collector' Board not the Trapdoor 'Accumulator' Board, and this rifle is a bit rougher than I had hoped based on the auction photos and significantly rougher than the gems I see posted here by others. Perhaps this post can serve as the first cautionary tale about auction purchases here on the new forum.
Here are photos I've taken after my receipt and initial teardown of the rifle. It appears, to my novice eye to be in correct trim for its early production date (apparently incorrect, and reversed, rear sight excepted). But I'd appreciate all comments correcting me on that. Any sign of S/N 22588 in the records?
No inspector cartouche visible, but it may be hiding under the thick coat of varnish, including runs, on the stock <sigh>. And the bore, which was filled with dust bunnies, is a bit crusty, but I'm hopeful that a bit more work will improve it.
I'd like to deal with the missing ramrod and rear sight, so guidance/confirmation on the correct variations of each to source would be welcomed. Thanks in advance.
