Trapdoor Rifles

I am in the market for a nice trapdoor rifle 45-70. I do have an early carbine in the 33K range. Anyway I was at the show of shows in Louisville this weekend. Saw a nice looking ramrod bayonet rifle. Advertised as correct 1884 for 1500. Cartouche was 1891, receiver was 1884, the bayonet was round. The stock had a door for tools. Witness mark looked good on the barrel.The serial number was six digits. Starting with 180xxx. The door and tang had a lot case harding on it. In the end I passed because I didn't know enough about the correct serial number range. Everything I searched said serial number should have been higher. Wondering if I messed up, still not sure. 10 hour drive and left empty handed. Any insight would be appreciated.

Headed to Baltimore next only under 2 hours. I think I will have better luck and definitely more selection.

I believe the rifle you were looking at was correct with the 1891 cartouche date.
According to The 45 -70 Springfield by Joe Poyer and Craig Riesch on page 299 explains the low serial numbers on 1890 and 1891 cartouche dated rifles.
I have 2 1891 dated rod bayonet rifles, one in the 144000 range and one in the 100000 range.
Springfield did not assemble rifles in serial number order as say Enfield. 1st parts in the bin were the last parts out and with the Rod Bayonet being the last trapdoor model Springfield was using up what receivers they had on hand.
Sounds like that was a nice rifle with good case colors remaining.
The Baltimore show is an awesome show, not as many tables as before covid but still a great show.
I found a nice 1877 dated 1873 last year with a Bull rear sight along with some other small items.
It’s a 2 hour ride for me also but well worth it, I’m sure you’ll find what your looking for there and then some.
I also have an experimental RB described on page 300 in Joe Poyers book. The rifle, serial number 318422 which is in excellent condition and according to Springfield Research Service was issued to Co. L 16th Infantry on 08/31/1886. The rifle has an 1873 dated breech block, two piece trigger guard, 1889 cartouche under the rear lock screw and 2 circle P proofs. I believe the 1888 cartouche was removed before adding the 1889 cartouche. The rifle also has the experimental
rod but with the standard 1888 locking mechanism.
I found the rifle on GB a few years ago. This is another variation of the 1888 RB to watch for should there be more of them

Thanks for the information, I certainly appreciate it!