Trapdoor Rifles

Does anyone know if the globe horseshoe nails were used during the 1870s? I ask because i have a few and wanted to set up a small display and not sure if they would be period correct for that time, Earliest year i can find them being used is in the 1880s from a picture of post card i found online. Thanks.

Cannot answer your question directly, but may give you a different outlook. I am assuming that the planned display has something else that you KNOW IS from the 1870s? Look at it this way - if the nails are from the 1880s, then the other item could/would have existed alongside them. With such a small time difference, I'd think you might be good to go? Perhaps if you gave us a bit more to work with?

Its a display for an early 1873 first model carbine. I remember reading that many globe horseshoe nails were found at the little bighorn battle site, but so were many other non period items have been found there mistaken to be period correct is reason i ask. Thank you.

Chris,
Try looking in Randy Steffan's four volume set about the arms and equipment of the US Cavalry. I remember he covers the Goodenough pattern horseshoes used in the 1870's, so he might just cover the horseshoe nails as well. The four volume set follows chronological order, so you will probably be finding the information in Volume Two or Three. Sorry, I'm away from home right now, so cannot be more specific.
Good luck!!
Rick T.

Thanks for the information. On the carbine i already gave Mr.Hosmer the Sn a awhile back. Its 14 digits away from a turned in carbine turned in by magpie eagle in 1877 and looks too have had been used by the natives.

That was going to be my next question!

Steffen would be a good source to try. Back to my original theory, given the centerpiece is going to be a nice early carbine, I think you'd be good with "close" nails. Remember that 99% of the general public can't properly vet the carbine - let alone the nails, which are pretty esoteric - but I really do laud your enthusiasm. Be sure to post pictures!

Thanks for the information. It won't be anytime soon just something in mind to do in future. Im still trying to figure out why the hole behind trigger is, i seen one online sold at auction as being indian captured in the 21k range with same exact whole in same place. Mine also has the appearance of being a captured gun. I cant figure out how to post pictures here.