Trapdoor Rifles

I've seen a type Type I Officer's rifle and the bow of the trigger guard is not engraved. The condition of the bow matches the trigger plate, which in turn matches the rest of the gun. It does have the single set trigger, as my thought was the entire trigger assembly (bow, plate and guts) had been replaced. But apparently just the bow was replaced long ago or it was never engraved to begin with.

Interestingly, I have seen another OM (also a Type I) with no engraving on the bow. Patina, condition, etc. matches, but I don't know if it has the set trigger.

Any comments and/or have you seen an OM without engraving on the bow?

And finally, are there any known ordnance or field reports about Trapdoor bows being damaged by troops in the field and needing replacement?

Thank you.

I am far, far, from being an OM expert - the guy you need to talk to is Dr. Vance Haynes. He has - for a great many years - been compiling data on OMs with a view to publishing the data. I do not know if that ever came to fruition, but if it had, I'm sure someone here would have heard of it. He doesn't "do" computers, and I am unsure of his current health, but I'm sure he could help you.

As to the engraving, I have always understood that the bow always was. I note that you do not comment on the trigger plate, which, was also engraved on many (most?) first models, but was dropped when the pistol grip became standard.

It is certainly possible that a bow could have been smashed and replaced in the field with the common item from post stores, with the plan to have it engraved later - which never happened. I do believe that all OMs originally had set triggers. I hope that is of some limited help. Many people on this board have OMs, far nicer than mine - a HEAVILY worn specimen - second model with screw-in sight. Bow engraved, plate not.

Dr. Haynes was at the Colorado show last month in good health.
I think that Al Frasca was encouraging him to publish, but not sure where they went. I would be delighted to post whatever he cared to share here on this site for permanent access by collectors. It would not have to be a polished manuscript, and could be images of handwritten notes or typed pages with photos or drawings. His work is VALUABLE and NEEDS to be preserved and shared.

My early type one Om has the bow engraved buy not the plate. As suggested contact Dr. Haynes he is long retired but I understand maintains an office at ASU in the anthropology department. They may forward a note to him about contact.
It is not a matter of simply changing the bow as it needs to be modified to allow for set trigger function.Not something done in a few minutes.

Tom Trevor wrote: ↑Thu Jun 08, 2023 5:39 pm My early type one Om has the bow engraved buy not the plate. As suggested contact Dr. Haynes he is long retired but I understand maintains an office at ASU in the anthropology department. They may forward a note to him about contact.
It is not a matter of simply changing the bow as it needs to be modified to allow for set trigger function.Not something done in a few minutes.

Tom, you are absolutely correct of course. I should have mentioned that, but assumed that such modification(s) should be within the range of the mechanical skill of the post armorer, whereas engraving might not.

Tom Trevor wrote: ↑Thu Jun 08, 2023 5:39 pm It is not a matter of simply changing the bow as it needs to be modified to allow for set trigger function.Not something done in a few minutes.

Tom. Great bit of Trapdoor minutiae. Thanks!