Trapdoor Rifles

There's 15/16 M1868s currently on GB. Some of them are way over-priced. From a cursory glance, the one from "deadcat" MIGHT be the best value for money. I'm guessing you will have to pay $1000-$1500 for a decent represntative piece, the day of the nice $500-$750 M68 is gone. I'll be glad to vet any in which you are you are seriously interested.

Dick Hosmer wrote: ↑Tue Nov 28, 2023 4:13 pm Hello Kendall, I was going to to offer my #2 1868, which is a very nice one dated 1870, but it sounds like you would be better served by gunbroker, They have them all the time. I'll keep my eyes open though. Did you ever get your other one settled in the Lava Beds museum? You stopped by our antique store in Colusa, about ten years ago.

Just curious Dick, what were you going to ask for your 1870 dated 1868? I have an 1868 and 1869 dated 1868 and was thinking about an 1870 to complete all years.

Carl, I honestly don't know at this point, but, based on the condition of mine vs. the ones offered on GB, I'd GUESS around $2500. But, it's not presently for sale.

Dick Hosmer wrote: ↑Fri Dec 01, 2023 4:49 pm There's 15/16 M1868s currently on GB. Some of them are way over-priced. From a cursory glance, the one from "deadcat" MIGHT be the best value for money. I'm guessing you will have to pay $1000-$1500 for a decent represntative piece, the day of the nice $500-$750 M68 is gone. I'll be glad to vet any in which you are you are seriously interested.

Occasionally deals are still out there. I got this 1870-dated piece this past summer for $805.

viewtopic.php?t=175

Carl, as of this point in time, you and Dick and I are in a position to complete a tier of 1868’s.
You both have an 1868 dated rifle and only each require an 1869 or an 1870 dated rifle to complete the set.
Bravo!
I might just keep number 86 and look for and buy an 1869 and an 1870 dated rifle myself.

As fate would have it, my local gun store, who knows I am always interested in checking out old military rifles, called me and said they had an M1868 come in on consignment.

The story is the consignor's late 102 year old father passed away and it was found in a closet. It is serial number 9400 and comes with an old, rough sling and a bayonet. They are asking $999.

Metal all matches, the serial number on the breech and the barrel match, there is no major rust I can see, the stock (though it has dings) has noticeable cartouches. Action locks up nicely. Bore seems ok, albeit a bit dirty.

I am curious what you all think of it. I couldn't get good photos (the place was crowded), and I am not quite sure how to attach images here, but here are the google drive links to the images:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ie8NWZ ... sp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f4PMw8 ... sp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16HNKEV ... sp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rPverV ... sp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MKMI1T ... sp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pqzrry ... sp=sharing

Oh, and the breechblock is dated 1869, and I think the barrel bands are on backwards.

I could swear I've seen that one before. The weird notches on the rear sight base are ringing a bell.

ETA yep, it's on gunbroker. They have the wrong year in the listing.

Lead Snowstorm wrote: ↑Sat Dec 02, 2023 9:29 pm I could swear I've seen that one before. The weird notches on the rear sight base are ringing a bell.

Are you in the San Francisco area? The gunstore says they have had it for c. 2 months.

Lead Snowstorm wrote: ↑Sat Dec 02, 2023 9:29 pm I could swear I've seen that one before. The weird notches on the rear sight base are ringing a bell.

ETA yep, it's on gunbroker. They have the wrong year in the listing.

Oh, I see! Yes, that's the one.