trapdoor gurus please read - The Firearms Forum

L98 driver · 09-17-2006, 10:52 PM

Hey guys,
I have a US Springfield rifle model 1878 with the date 1886 stamped on the stock.
The story is that it was won in a sales contest by my great grandfather as a recent surplus military unit (year unknown). He was not a gun guy so he put it into the attic where it remained until about 2 years ago when I moved it to a less humid location. I have been told that it was has not been fired cense it left the armory I have searched the internet and now know mostly what it is but I still have some questions about it.
After looking at several pictures of these on the net I can say that the stock is in excellent condition with only a very few minor flaws, all the stampings are in the proper place and are distinct. After looking at pictures of others I think that this stock is the best I have seen. The finish is dirty but seems to also be in excellent condition. The bore has some minor rust but seems to be in excellent condition.
The down side is the outside has rust allover with minor pitting except the cover plate on the right side that has some heaver pitting and one rivet head is missing.

Questions
What should I do to preserve it? I’m sure I need to do something to stop the rust but what? Should I,or someone else try to remove the rust? What to use to clean the stock?
What might I expect to pay to have this done? Is there any expert gunsmiths out there specializing in trapdoors?
If any one wants to take a shot at what it’s worth I’d appreciate it
When did Uncle Sam surplus these?
My rifle has a single blade front sight. I have seen few pictures with round sight or a sight guard? Different model?

I have not found any service records on this but maybe some of you have access to better records than me it’s s/n 355619
Thanks

Dave

Chick4 · 09-29-2006, 11:02 PM

Check out this website: www.trapdoorcollector.com . They have all sorts of information on trapdoors as well as links to even more info. I've got an 1877 model 1873 and have learned a lot about it from these guys. You should also check out the Springfield Research Service web site. You can actually see if they have any info on your particular gun. Good luck and enjoy.

wonderwhippet · 09-30-2006, 01:17 AM

I sold a really nice one last year for $900 and it took me a long time to find a buyer.

southernshooter · 09-30-2006, 01:34 AM

Welcome L98
On gun like this it is best to have em appraised
But for a lowball estimate here is a link to one that is being auctioned so its value will be more than the price on the auction
http://www.*********.com/Auction/Vie...?Item=57040293

L98 driver · 09-30-2006, 04:37 PM

Thanks all,
I have been to all over the web and read a bunch about them.
I'll probably never sell this thing , just wandering what it is worth.
I think mine is in much better shape than the one southernshooter has linked.
I still need some opinions on what to do to preserve it without over restoring it.
thanks again
D

njretcop · 10-01-2006, 07:46 AM

I have two, an 1884 and a rare 1888RRB model.

I clean mine with boiled linseed oil on the wood and Flitz on the metal.

Then a light coat of Rem oil. Value is diffiicult to establish. Finding the right buyer is the trick. Some people appreciate them for what they are, while others just want one.......

Having one that was passed down in the family is really great and like you, I would never part with it.

Red Neck64 · 10-01-2006, 08:09 AM

This is for trapdoor aficionados much information.

http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/

09-17-2006, 10:52 PM	#1
L98 driver Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 2	trapdoor gurus please read Hey guys, I have a US Springfield rifle model 1878 with the date 1886 stamped on the stock. The story is that it was won in a sales contest by my great grandfather as a recent surplus military unit (year unknown). He was not a gun guy so he put it into the attic where it remained until about 2 years ago when I moved it to a less humid location. I have been told that it was has not been fired cense it left the armory I have searched the internet and now know mostly what it is but I still have some questions about it. After looking at several pictures of these on the net I can say that the stock is in excellent condition with only a very few minor flaws, all the stampings are in the proper place and are distinct. After looking at pictures of others I think that this stock is the best I have seen. The finish is dirty but seems to also be in excellent condition. The bore has some minor rust but seems to be in excellent condition. The down side is the outside has rust allover with minor pitting except the cover plate on the right side that has some heaver pitting and one rivet head is missing. Questions What should I do to preserve it? I’m sure I need to do something to stop the rust but what? Should I,or someone else try to remove the rust? What to use to clean the stock? What might I expect to pay to have this done? Is there any expert gunsmiths out there specializing in trapdoors? If any one wants to take a shot at what it’s worth I’d appreciate it When did Uncle Sam surplus these? My rifle has a single blade front sight. I have seen few pictures with round sight or a sight guard? Different model? I have not found any service records on this but maybe some of you have access to better records than me it’s s/n 355619 Thanks Dave -->

09-29-2006, 11:02 PM	#2
Chick4 Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: St.Simons Is.,GA. Posts: 11	Re: trapdoor gurus please read Check out this website: www.trapdoorcollector.com . They have all sorts of information on trapdoors as well as links to even more info. I've got an 1877 model 1873 and have learned a lot about it from these guys. You should also check out the Springfield Research Service web site. You can actually see if they have any info on your particular gun. Good luck and enjoy.

09-30-2006, 01:17 AM	#3
wonderwhippet Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,586	Re: trapdoor gurus please read I sold a really nice one last year for $900 and it took me a long time to find a buyer.

09-30-2006, 01:34 AM	#4
southernshooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Deep South Mississippi Posts: 5,943	Re: trapdoor gurus please read Welcome L98 On gun like this it is best to have em appraised But for a lowball estimate here is a link to one that is being auctioned so its value will be more than the price on the auction http://www.*********.com/Auction/Vie...?Item=57040293 __________________ Only you can see this

09-30-2006, 04:37 PM	#5
L98 driver Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 2	Re: trapdoor gurus please read Thanks all, I have been to all over the web and read a bunch about them. I'll probably never sell this thing , just wandering what it is worth. I think mine is in much better shape than the one southernshooter has linked. I still need some opinions on what to do to preserve it without over restoring it. thanks again D

10-01-2006, 07:46 AM	#6
njretcop Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 1,537	Re: trapdoor gurus please read I have two, an 1884 and a rare 1888RRB model. I clean mine with boiled linseed oil on the wood and Flitz on the metal. Then a light coat of Rem oil. Value is diffiicult to establish. Finding the right buyer is the trick. Some people appreciate them for what they are, while others just want one....... Having one that was passed down in the family is really great and like you, I would never part with it. __________________ Charlie

10-01-2006, 08:09 AM	#7
Red Neck64 Former Guest Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: North N.Y.STATE Posts: 330	Re: trapdoor gurus please read This is for trapdoor aficionados much information. http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/