1866 Trapdoor Odd markings

[Solidleadslug]

Hello all, I've recently bought an 1866 in excellent shape. However, I noticed something Odd. The 1866 on the receiver is backwards and all 3 barrel band retaining springs are notched a little too deep, allowing the bands to move about 1/8". Any thoughts?

Also this stamp under the wrist that's puzzling me. G.O.K or C.O.K?

[John S.]

Band springs are located in that position for use with the wide, flat M1855-1861 stye bands.
It is possible that the entire stock is from M1861 musket (check to see if it has the ramrod inletting for the swell type retation, not the ramrod spoon between the lock and rear band. Is the inletting for the extractor spring factory work, or might this be someone's replacing a damaged M1866 stock with one from a M1861?

I have seen a number of .58 muskets of dubious originality with mismatched or mixed style stocks and bands. AFIK they are the work of Bannerman or similar surplus dealers trying to turn junk into something they could sell.

[Solidleadslug]

The inletting for the horseshoe spring looks like a factory job with machine marks and even debris from the process in the inletting. I see no evidence the stock being inletted for the swell.

[Solidleadslug]

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[Solidleadslug]

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[Solidleadslug]

Mabey I am mistaken about the ramrod channel being cut for a swell? As I inspect the picture, it does seem a little wider near the top

[Dick Hosmer]

I can see the swell, they're not THAT deep. Note that there is no difference in patina at the band - in other words doesn't look like stock was ever used as an 1865 with the wide bands. Getting into semantics re the stamping - you say it's "backwards" which implies some sort of funky stamp, I see it as simply turned around so as to be "upside-down", still not typical of arsenal work... Interesting piece, maybe one intended for France?

[Solidleadslug]

Thanks for the insight. I'll do some more dogging about the rifles sent to france. I have extra springs from later 73s that I wonder would fit a bit better.

[Dick Hosmer]

Thanks for the insight. I'll do some more dogging about the rifles sent to france. I have extra springs from later 73s that I wonder would fit a bit better.

Yes, 1873 springs should make a good replacement - just lay one in place as a trial, and be careful not to chip the wood driving out the old springs if you decide to swap - use a proper blunt-end punch. Depending on your springs you may need to rub off some blue, but they should be fine, physically. The upside-down date stamp is a real hoot - never seen one before...

[Solidleadslug]

Thanks for the insight. I'll do some more dogging about the rifles sent to france. I have extra springs from later 73s that I wonder would fit a bit better.

Yes, 1873 springs should make a good replacement - just lay one in place as a trial, and be careful not to chip the wood driving out the old springs if you decide to swap - use a proper blunt-end punch. Depending on your springs you may need to rub off some blue, but they should be fine, physically. The upside-down date stamp is a real hoot - never seen one before...

Yay I've made trapdoor history!