Trapdoor Rifles

A fellow local to me has an 1869 breech block dated 50/70. Stock typically well used but not sanded - loads of old patina on wood. Fantastic bore. Mostly brown rash on the exterior. No rod , trigger guard missing sling loop. four digit serial 4763. From pics he sent could not make out whaat type of rear sight - has a bed that appears not dovetailed , longish and might be a musket flip type. He is asking $700. Any trigger guards with sling loops floating around ?.

I am having severe issues with phone presently - it will not connect to internet because it wants an update...but cant connect because there is something fubar with it.

I can help with a trigger guard assembly (and would beat the dealer price) but would have to see a photo of the sight prep to tell you if its' been monkeyed with. The base IS very similar to the CW style. I do not believe that I have a sight - but will check.

When I get back home from the road I might just buy it. Not sure the $700 is a great buy , but darn I like them for sure !.

Chec if it is a standard infantry rifle with 32 1/2" barrel (breech to muzzle, not just the exposed exterior of the bbl) or the cadet model which is about 29 1/2" barrel.

Cadets are far scarcer, but people who want a cadet even scarcer than that.

Sounds like you may NEED one of each!

Price seems reasonable, but not a screaming good deal. Condition sounds no better than average and you are looking at probably $200-250 in parts to get it complete. That's my thoughts, sight unseen, for whatever they might be worth.

The last 50/70 trapdoor rod set me back $95. Cant imagine a triggerguard with sling loop that expensive.
.

I was going to ask in a new post on the value of an M68 but since this post is already listed I'll ask here.
I have been, for a while, watching an M68 made in 1870 which is one of the 100 experimental nickel plated trials rifles. This rifles serial number is in the 30xxx range with documentation on when and where it was sent for trials.
I know that value is what one would pay but figured I'd ask as maybe someone here would have a better grasp on value.
I do have all three years of the M68 so adding a nickel plated rifle would really make it complete and being documented is icing on the cake

I think the documented nickel plating adds about 50% to the value, but not sure if other people would think it detracts from the value.
They did not do many, and I've only seen a handful for sale. If you want one, it may be better to pay more now (too soon) than to wait in hopes of finding a cheaper one in the future.

John S. wrote: ↑Sat May 17, 2025 11:02 pm I think the documented nickel plating adds about 50% to the value, but not sure if other people would think it detracts from the value.
They did not do many, and I've only seen a handful for sale. If you want one, it may be better to pay more now (too soon) than to wait in hopes of finding a cheaper one in the future.

Thank you John S.
Asking price is 3495.00 and it's been up for sale for some time.

38700 (from the Beardslee contract) is being discussed on Facebook right now. Not for sale, just mentioned. It has a bastard stock (reworked musket, no rod keeper) so am wondering if that is a coincidence, or whether they cut corners on the plated guns since they were liable to be abused... Any thoughts?