Looking for help identifying an old rifle

[jslo]

Only external stamping I could find looks to be a serial number.

[Skip]

Yup, that's an old rifle!

I think it's likely a Trapdoor...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springfield_model_1873

[Skip]

If so, possibly 1887...

https://gun-data.com/springfield_trapdoors.html

[jslo]

Wow, that was quick. Thank you

[Skip]

Wow, that was quick. Thank you

I've actually bid on a couple in hopes of getting a nice wall hanger, but they are very collectable if in good condition.

Here's a few ("good") ones from recent auctions...

https://www.rockislandauction.com/de...ifle-4570-govt

https://www.rockislandauction.com/de...e-with-bayonet

https://www.rockislandauction.com/de...trapdoor-rifle

[jslo]

Cool history. The carbine version was used by Custer's battalion at Little Big Horn. Also the pictures of Geronimo and his apache warriors holding them.

[Erni]

If you are in Cody Wyoming the Museum up there has almost all the variations of the trapdoor on display.

[Sawin]

If you are in Cody Wyoming the Museum up there has almost all the variations of the trapdoor on display.

Highly recommended. That is one of my favorite places in the world.

[ben4372]

If you are in Cody Wyoming the Museum up there has almost all the variations of the trapdoor on display.

I'm gonna add that to my list. I looked at their website. Way cool. And modern.

[CS1983]

Cool history. The carbine version was used by Custer's battalion at Little Big Horn. Also the pictures of Geronimo and his apache warriors holding them.

Neat rifle. As an aside... one of the decisive factors in LBH was the order was given to leave sabers at camp, as they expected a "long range" battle using only rifles. It turned into a CQB melee, and they had no weapons for such an engagement type. They also didn't wait for their Indian Scouts to get back and report on their recon patrols' findings, and those who were able to report back did not have their findings disseminated throughout all the present units, and if I recall my buddy's mother-in-law's book on the subject (wish I could find it!) I think it was B Company/Troop attacked before they were supposed to in part due to this failure of communication.

She did her Master's Thesis on the battle and turned it into a book, but decided to do it primarily based on the battle scenes painted by warriors there. She only used army sources/accounts where they filled in gaps in the info. Her reasoning was it was unlikely to have a warrior paint/tell lies about events since others were there. Dishonor amongst the warriors was a big thing to avoid. The narrative she was able to bring out of the Indian sources was basically that the 7th royally screwed up and the warriors were able to turn it to their advantage. Had the 7th followed simple things like: wait for your Scouts to return, don't assume the battle won't turn into close quarters, and coordinate communication amongst combat elements, the LBH might have been a complete massacre on the other side.

Really wish I could find that book to clarify my memory on what all she said. It was a fascinating read.