Trapdoor Rifles

carbine 39258 which is listed in Dick Hosmers book just sold at Rock Island auctions May sale item 1149. Very nice write up about the Custer battle guns and how this is only five numbers away from a battle carbine but no idea if it was there or not. Finally got to the description of this well used carbine. OH it sold for 15,275.00. I know John cautioned about prices and it takes two to make an auction.

The description did not mention that the right side of the butt has the enigmatic "star" symbol carved in it, by someone, sometime with uncertain meaning. I think some collectors get REAL excited by those.
https://www.rockislandauction.com/detai ... ng-carbine

John S. wrote: ↑Wed May 07, 2025 4:20 am The description did not mention that the right side of the butt has the enigmatic "star" symbol carved in it, by someone, sometime with uncertain meaning. I think some collectors get REAL excited by those.
https://www.rockislandauction.com/detai ... ng-carbine

I KNOW they do. Sold my example to a gentleman, who now has several, a few years back for a considerable sum. I'm torn between wanting to know the answer or living in the ignorance of bliss...