early trapdoor

[flounderman]

I just saw an early trapdoor , seems it could have been made from a springfield muzzle loader. caliber is 50 or more. gun came from a collection. 92 win mares leg, 44-40 came from the same collection. I thought the trapdoors were 45-70 and I didn't think they were made until after the civil war. the woodwork is in good shape, original finish and the metal is good. some light rust that can be rubbed off. I didn't check the serial number or the date on the lock, but it seems like he said 1862. I was assuming it was a springfield musket until I saw the trap door. I'm just wondering if we don't have some trapdoor experts that can shed some light on this early trapdoor? I would like a guess on the value, also. It is priced in the 600s. I told him I thought it should be worth more?

[Shepherd2]

I'm certainly not an expert on Springfield trapdoors but I think the early ones were made from civil war muzzle loading Springfield rifles and they were initially chambered for the 50-70 cartridge.

I'm sure some folds with more knowledge on the subject will join in with more information.

[John Boy]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springfield_Model_1865

[Idaho Sharpshooter]

In all, there were three models of the Allin conversion in 50-70 between 1866 and 1869. I've owned first and second. The first was in 80% condition, and a gentleman bought it from me for $1250 five years ago.

Someone back east advertises in the Shotgun News buying and selling Trapdoors and parts. He has a data bank on rifles and carbines. Might check there.

Rich
Sua Sponte

[gnoahhh]

The very first ones were in .58, a rimfire as I recall. Then came the .50/70, and then in 1873 came the .45/70. Yes the first pile of them were made from Civil War surplus .58 rifled muskets.

[frkelly74]

Back when 45 cal was a small bore!

[StrawHat]

A couple of good sites from which to learn about the Springfield Single Shot Rifle.

http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/

http://milpas.cc/rifles/ZFiles/Single%20Shot%20Cartridge%20Rifles/U.S.%20SPRINGFIELD%20TRAPDOOR%20RIFLE/U.S.%20SPRINGFIELD%20TRAPDOOR%20RIFLE.htm

and

http://www.trapdoors.com/

I have and use an 1866, Second Allin, and enjoy it. Not a complet rifle, mine is a frenaken rifle I built but the 50-70 cartridge is everything the 45-70 is and more.

[MtGun44]

Look very closely at the muzzle. You can usually see the liner that they added to
the .58 barrel to sleeve it down to .50 cal.

Bill