Model 1868 sn 69

[daneal]

GUNBROKER has on auction a Model 1868 with serial 69, in case some of you serial number fans are interested. Auction # 1035765157.

[Fred Gaarde]

Wow.

[Dick Hosmer]

Sad - but it's been "whizzed" (grossly excessive overall cleaning/refinishing of wood and metal) apparently then allowed to rot in spots. BUT, a sleeper of sorts at current price - clearly the seller does not realize what he has. Still, another one out of the brush - time to update the roster.

Update #1
While the receiver/barrel numbers look good, the block (had to manipulate the [intentionally?] dreadful photo) is really funky - appears to be an 1869, but with the "18" part somehow removed, in a misguided attempt to be cute and to "match" the other numbers, I guess. Never seen anything quite like it, but definitely NOT SA!! Knocks a HUGE amount of value from the gun - maybe seller isn't off base, price-wise, after all? Still interesting though, but finding a real 1868 block to fix it will be a steep uphill climb.

Update #2
Have asked seller for a high-quality photo of block . . .

[Lead Snowstorm]

Ha! I just sent them that request myself. They did confirm to me that the barrel is 32.5” and added the sight ladder photo after I asked.

[John S.]

Link would help.

[Dick Hosmer]

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1035765157

[Fred Gaarde]

Heck, I’d buy it and invest in a better stock.
All 1868 stocks are the same anyway.
IF the breech block had 1868 stamped into it.

[Dick Hosmer]

Well, it doesn't! Will be interesting to see what seller provides, if anything.

Still - if you could salt it away for $500 or so, and you were young, why not?

[Lead Snowstorm]

Yeah, the numbers seem to be the only things left of a 68/68. The prototype rear sight is gone, and the block seems to be as well.

Although honesty compels me to say owning “#69” has a certain, heh, appeal.

[Dick Hosmer]

Why, you dirty old man, you!