Trapdoor Rifles

COMPOSITE SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1875 OFFICERS MODEL TRAPDOOR RIFLE. At auction interesting rifle. https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/_A_ ... 70430.aspx

Just sharing as an FYI looks okay for a composite rifle.

That's a VERY interesting rifle - big question is, "restoration" or total fake? Is that an original Type 1 (Sharps) sight? It is too narrow for the mortise, so, was the stock originally cut for a type 3 sight? Morphy is a big dealer and probably did their homework, but no one can be an expert on everything. WHERE did that gorgeous block come from? The engraving may be bogus but the stamp isn't.

There is a story there.

John, have you seen that piece before?

Maybe it is just the photo angles, but it looks like the stock has inletting for wide receiver, while this is a narrow receiver?

There are a number of hinky OM's out there, and no one but an expert can tell the good from the bad.

Someone did a nice job putting this one together.

I think it may be one of the Glen Maddox guns, he had like 5 or 6 OMs.

Vance Haynes is probably familiar with it.

Dick Hosmer wrote: ↑Wed Aug 23, 2023 3:05 am John, have you seen that piece before?

Yes, I saw it on their web site a few weeks ago. If it could be bought in the estimated price range it would certainly look nice hanging on someone's wall. Just not my wall. I'll wait, save my money, and find one that is correct.

Point taken, however I was guilty of being vague - my question was meant for John S., as he sees a LOT of guns in his travels around the country. His answer was quite illuminating. Wonder how Vance is coming on his OM masterwork?

Let me clarify. AFIK, Glen did NOT engage in any sort of gun tinkering, but he really liked OM's and bought (and sold) a lot of them. This may have been one in his business inventory at the time of his death (ran off the road on the way to a gun show, possibly medical event caused) rather than one of his "keepers."

Peter Cardone, who died several years ago also liked OMs or any other high dollar/high condition U.S. martial arms, once showed me a "not real" OM that was amazing workmanship, and he pointed out some discrepancies from what was expected on real ones. I have long forgotten the details, but it was a really nice looking rifle. Of course, that was before Vance's work was known (or maybe even before he started) so Cardone may have been misinformed, or even making stuff up. Still, it was a pretty gun.

At National Park Service historian Harold L. Peterson wrote, "I don't worry about the fakes I recognize, but I worry a lot about the ones I don't recognize."

As noted above, this one would be a nice filler, better than a H&R repro, in my opinion. It will be interesting to see what it sells for.

I always figured Glen was straight, also that you knew him pretty well.

ANYTHING is better than an H&R, but they are accurate - mine would do ragged one-hole groups at 50yds.

This one just sold at RIA a few days ago. Had some issues but still well below the estimate of $9,500 to $16,000. Hammer plus buyer's premium was $8,813.

https://www.rockislandauction.com/detai ... cers-rifle

John, Quite a few issues. re blued barrel, stock re oiled?, tang sight missing,mechanically excellent EXCEPT set trigger does not function, stock checkering worn at forearm stock chips and scratches.
Price does not include sales tax for buyers area unless FFL dealer and shipping unless picked up. Shipping and packing easily 200.00 or more. So it has now passed 10,000.00.
Tang sight can now be acquired from Tony Maddox who purchased all the parts and tooling from Axtell sight company. He also has a line of beech sights with various dovetail widths.
Only problem is the quality is so good in a few years no one will be able to tell them from the originals. He will mark the bottom of the sight as did Axtell but sight removal is needed to confirm.

Tom Trevor wrote: ↑Thu Aug 31, 2023 1:35 am set trigger does not function,

Speaking of the set trigger on the OM. I do see the occasional one for sale where the set trigger mechanism does not work. Anybody tinker with them? Is there a common fix to get them to work?