Trapdoor Rifles

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

Wow.

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 . . .

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.

Link would help.

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.

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?

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.

Why, you dirty old man, you!