Trapdoor Rifles

Sometimes addition of set trigger parts added screw holes in the trigger guard strap, but there would have been some added inletting in the wood behind it to accommodate them. Or, maybe it was for addition of some sort of spur or rest or grip to suit an individual's taste. I would bet that it was N...

Thanks for finding this John. Yes, it does look like the same style font and size E that’s on my early 1873 rifle, and it’s in the same location on top of the Breech block.
Very interesting.

I corresponded with Dick Hosmer about this and he said he’s never seen these type threaded holes in this location before. He validated that this trigger guard is on a legit Type 1 version of the M1870.

Trying to figure out if these holes may have been for some type of pistol grip attachment.

I finally was able to get these books to help me better understand both the history and the details of my growing Springfield trapdoor collection. Al Frasca’s books set are a matching signed number set. outstanding pictures and so much detailed information in these books, but for me, Dick Hosmer‘s b...

I deleted 40 photos from my previous posts to be able to add these photos for this early unaltered 1873.

- unmarked barrel
- early course pattern hammer
- does anybody know where I might be able to find information to help identify what unit this B 44 stamping on top of the stock represents?

I just went back through my posts and deleted about 40 photos to try to help create some bandwidth space for the board.

Well, I sincerely appreciate you trying Dick! I’d also sincerely appreciate your thoughts about this very early seemingly unaltered 1873. I got this one and the Model 1870 from an estate sale in the Montana-Idaho area (the other two early rifles of question we’ve recently discussed were from an esta...

And what would one look like if it’s correct? Where on eBay is it?

I recently acquired this very early four digit 1873 from an estate sale in the Northwest. I sent pictures of this rifle to Dick Hosmer and he believes it’s a correct as issued early 1873 that avoided being upgraded/altered to the later standards. It’s an amazing condition to be such an early 1873. I...

This is my Early 4 digit serial number M1873.
Anyone ever seen this letter combo that’s on top of both the block and receiver?
What about the letter B on top of the chamber flat?