Trapdoor Rifles

I assume this is the ammunition for these?

As far as value, that is something for a willing buyer and willing seller to agree on after some negotiations, and understanding what the item is.

In my opinion, based on the photos, neither is in great condition. Cadets have less interest (even though fewer made than regular rifles) and I would expect to see one like your selling at around $450 or so to a retail buyer.

The rifle with the 4th Kentucky history maybe more like $600 without the history. Throw in some history (even if not very exciting) and maybe $750? retail.

There are regional variations in values and interest among a bunch of deer hunting buddies may be zero, but history nerds who like black powder stuff might be turned on by the history and go crazy.

Remember, if selling through any type of auctions, there are all sorts of fees, commissions, shipping and expense to consider. Even if charged tot he buyer, most buyers are smart enough to understand all those extra charges, and adjust their bid downward to end up at the price they are willing to pay.

Those are my estimates, and others are encouraged to tell us if they thing the guns are worth more or less. But the only opinion that really counts is a buyer with cash in hand.

Agree, worth can be a slippery subject and influenced by many factors, some unlikely or unexpected. As an example, the cadet sparked my interest as its SN falls into a range populated by guns issued to my alma mater. Had it been a hit I likely would’ve at least considered going to a couple times John S’s estimate to snag it. Not being a hit, with that killing stock crack, it really falls completely off my radar at almost any price.

Is that a crack or only a scratch/gouge? https://www.armscollectors.com/trapdoor ... iew&id=905

In the photos it looks like it is following a split in the wood grain, but photos can’t compare to an in-person exam. If in hand you see it is clearly a scratch then so be it. It is unfortunate that it involves the cartouche.