Trapdoor Rifles

Some changes this year, and more next year.
No carpet on the concrete floor this year, to reduce costs.
No sale tables in the "show ring" at all this year, and many vendors now have 2 or 3 tables.
Walk in traffic lighter than in the pre-covid days, but respectable numbers and sales seemed good.

I saw at least 2 triangular rod bayonet rifles, a couple of M1884 round rod bayont rifles, one seemed hinky to me. No SA Officer Models, but one H&R OM. A few assorted other oddball trials or prototypes. One person had some fencing trapdoors with various fencing bayonet. One trapdoor converted to a zimmershutzen type contraption. One Hollywood film prop house trapdoor converted to "Kentucky" configuration with slimmed butt, new buttplate and patchbox, forend smoothed and pinned instead of held with bands. Most interesting part is that it had a copy of the prop house "library card" showing when it was checked out and returned by various film makers over a couple decades.

Big change next year is that post 1898 handguns WILL BE ALLOWED IF THEY ARE CURIO & RELIC category.

I saw several folks who have been contributors to this board. Hi!

I had a great day at the show today!!
I met you last year John but forgot where your table was
There were many really nice M84's this year, a few in minty condition with great case colors.
There must have been 5 1869 cadets that I'd seen and there was one Officer's model.
I picked it up and held it for a while but put it back as I sure didn't have the 10k for it. I'm not sure what model but it had the wooden pistol grip.
I seen one 1870 carbine completely correct but also out of my price range.
I did find a really nice 1868/70 for a great pice so now I have the complete 3 year set. It has great color on the block and receiver with a little color on the lock. Cartouches are all present but light. Stock hasn't been sanded as the flats are sharp and there's a deep L proof. I'll post some pics later.
Found some other small items and a rifle that bubba got a hold of but couldn't pass it. What do you think
Since I saved guite a bit on the 68 I just had to have it.
Just one note on the carpet, I preferred the concrete over the lumpy carpet

Wow, I wish I could go there but it’s way too far for me.

Further than 2,200 miles? Each way?
Worth it to me.

carlsr wrote: ↑Sun Mar 17, 2024 12:28 am . . . . . .What do you think
IMG_20240316_162419.jpg
Since I saved guite a bit on the 68 I just had to have it. . . . .

Strange you should post this picture . . . .

Many, many years ago, I had an acquaintance that had one of these trapdoor “pistols” . . . .though not nearly as nice as yours!

John S. wrote: ↑Sun Mar 17, 2024 11:17 am Further than 2,200 miles? Each way?
Worth it to me.

Yes, but you are an active dealer and considerably younger than some of us! Makes all the difference in the world. You almost HAVE to go. Fred's halfway there, compared to me! Highlight of my collecting life was making one of the Allentown shows in the early 1990s, when I was still working. My employer had no problem with me playing on the weekends. On that trip I met Joe DeChristopher, Frank Mallory, and Burt Kellerstedt. The show was unlike anything I'd ever seen in CA, even the old Great Western. I was like a kid in a candy store - couldn't buy anything but I sure could fondle . . . .

Jim wrote: ↑Sun Mar 17, 2024 12:46 pm

carlsr wrote: ↑Sun Mar 17, 2024 12:28 am . . . . . .What do you think
IMG_20240316_162419.jpg
Since I saved guite a bit on the 68 I just had to have it. . . . .

Strange you should post this picture . . . .

Many, many years ago, I had an acquaintance that had one of these trapdoor “pistols” . . . .though not nearly as nice as yours!

Thank you Jim I have only seen a couple of these but was not able to acquire any until now. I'm not a fan of the black paint on the pistol grip so thinking about removing it.
It is an original grip so I don't want to remove any patina, if any, under the paint. If I put it in boiling water than cold water the paint may lift of
Here are some photos of the 1868/70 I found yesterday.

A couple more. The barrel has a very light patina on it, should I clean it or leave it be?

carlsr wrote: ↑Sun Mar 17, 2024 5:41 pm . . . . .
The barrel has a very light patina on it, should I clean it or leave it be?

Being “the barrel has a very light patina on it,” I vote to let it be.

It’s a Wonderful 1868!!!
Please show us some photos of all three of your complete set of 1868’s!