Trapdoor Rifles

If you had a bunch of money, you could have walked out of this year's Baltimore show with a pretty complete collection-
I noticed a positive cam, a couple of Metcalfes (likely restorations), M1884 experimental rod bayonet models, a long range model, lots of 1873, 1877, 1879, 1884 and 1888 models and several carbines. I don't recall seeing an officers model, but maybe I missed on. A Nive .50-70 reloading set circa 1882. Conditions and prices varied. It did not seem like sales were strong (on Friday or Saturday-- who knows about Sunday.

Always fun to see old friends and old guns.

Well once again that elusive M70 type I was not present
I seen the 84 experimental rod bayonet but I've seen it many times at the Baltimore show. I did see a first Allin short rifle??? The bore was excellent along with the stock. It did however have an A carved in the left flat. Seemed to be a legit short rifle but at 2500.00, which is probably low for an Allin conversion along with not knowing if it actually was a short rifle I decided to pass.
I was also looking for an M70 carbine but none were present so I ended up buying a really nice Smith Carbine along with a awesome TD sling.
There was also a nickel plated 68 in the 31000 range in the vendor area. The plating look to be period with spots worn off. The cleaning rod had only spots of plating remaining.
Seen quite a few Hall rifles and carbines but I'd rather spend that kind of money on an M70 carbine. There was one carbine nicely priced but someone did a poor re browning on it.
Prices seemed to be high but a very nice show!!
364 days to next year's show.

Always wanted to make it to Baltimore, but it isn't in the cards now, for a number of reasons, ditto a trip to SA; just dreams. I did make one show at Allentown in the early 90s, while east on business - I was like a kid in a candy store, had never seen anything like it before - or since...