Saved a Springfield 1873 Trapdoor

[eargesplitten]

Went to a local gun shop to pick up a 1903A4 I bought from GB and began looking around. I found a museum quality Mauser 71/84 and a Springfield 1873 Trapdoor with a 1882 cartouche, both had been on the rack for a month according to the shop, being fingered by non caring customers. I bought the Mauser and during the following week realized I wanted the Springfield, it was still there and went home with me for 950.00. I thought it was going to be a shooter but after a cleaning and educating myself on this site, I think the gun is all original and needs to be preserved. I rate the barrel bluing at 88+, case color 97+, bore perfect, hammer and screw 98+, side plate 98+, tang 97+ (not as bright as block) tang screw marred but 97+, trigger 97+ guard 95+, butt plate 85+, cartouche script P well struck but the 2 of 1882 has a slight mar, lock plate screws 92+ and a what I believe to be an original sight protector that wobbles and doesn’t want to come off. Does anyone know anything about this guns serial number 190444. I have photos but don’t know how to get a free compression app on my iPad . If anyone can do it for me I will email the photos.

[John S.]

Welcome! Congratulatins on saving a nice gun.

There is no documented history available on 190444, but lots of nearby numbers for which info has survived were used by various volunteer units int he Spanish American War. However, give the condition of yours, it likely remained in a crate somewhere in the Ordnance Department's vast empire, or in some state armory.

[carlsr]

Sounds like you found a nice one at a great price, congrats.
Would be great if you could post some photos!

[Fred Gaarde]

Shoot it. Nothing on that rifle will be harmed or devalued.