Trapdoor Rifles

Serial number 357436, totally standard in every respect with arsenal style refinish of the metal. Neatly hand stamped above the buttplate tang is:
STATE
OF
WYOMING with "38" stamped on the tang.
Wyoming became a territory in 1868, and was granted statehood in 1890, so the marking was probably post 1890.
The 1st Wyoming Volunteer Infantry (Battalion, not a full regiment) mustered in during May 1898 with 14 officers and 324 enlisted men, and went to the Philippines and participated in fighting there. They returned to the U.S. and were mustered out September 23, 1899, with 14 officers and 239 enlisted. "During its term of service had one man killed in action and two men who died as a result of wounds received in action. In addition, ten men died from disease, four men deserted, and nine were discharged on disability."

I suspect the marking is related to the 1st Wyoming Volunteer Infantry. but it could have been just about any state agency at any time. Fish and game, prison guards, etc. No listings in SRS for this number or anything else that seems related.

John S. wrote: ↑Sun May 28, 2023 5:21 pm Serial number 357436, totally standard in every respect with arsenal style refinish of the metal. Neatly hand stamped above the buttplate tang is:
STATE
OF
WYOMING
357436-WYO.jpg

with "38" stamped on the tang.

I believe that the number stamped on the butt-plate tang is 33, Not 38.
Just sayin'

49er

49er - I agree; definitely 33.

Okay, so with marginal lighting it looked like 38, but the photo confirms 33 instead. Gimme a break....
Does anyone have the number of trapdoors sent to Wyoming, or when, from the Newsletters??

Here you go John