Value on 1892 production Trapdoor?

[.455_Hunter]

Greetings,

A LGS has a lightly used 1892 production Trapdoor in very good condition for $1099. The bore is excellent, the rod bayonet is in place, the original stock cartouche looks good and the Buffington sight is fully functional.

Is this a good price for one of the "last of the Trapdoors"?

I already have a 1902 production 1898 Krag that it would complement nicely.

Thanks,

Hunter

 

[Cosmoline]

That sounds like an excellent price assuming it's original VG condition and not a reblue/revamp. The originals in good condition can be shot with black powder loads, no problem.

 

[powder]

Can you post of pic of it? I'm thinkin that's a good deal, but it may not be what I'M thinking it is?

 

[.455_Hunter]

Sorry- I don't have a pic.

From my research, I would surmise the rifle is an 1888 Model. The patina seems right for a gun of this vintage that was lightly used, stored in reasonable conditions, and not abused. There is some traces of mild surface rust in some deep crevices (like the "U" shaped cutout on top of the lock plate, but the bore appears to be perfect. The action and block are very tight, and the firing pin floats perfectly free.

My existing Trapdoor is an 1881 production with some odd features, including no sling swivels, and early pattern rear sight, and a very deeply struck "C" and "29" on top of the breech. It maybe just a Bannerman's Part Bin Special, or it could be something more interesting. I bought it for $500 in 1998 at a pawn shop in Bel Air, MD, while the attending Ordnance Officer's Basic Course at Aberdeen Proving Ground. All I know is that it shoots quite nicely with 500 gr service loads at 1000 yds...

 

[highpower]

To me, that sounds a bit high. You might want to check sold auctions on Gunbroker to get an idea of what they are going for.

I traded for one in the same condition as the one you describe back in February and it is great fun to shoot. Mine is New Jersey militia marked and was made in 1890.

 

[bamajoey]

Check this site out, he may be able to help.

http://trapdoors.com/

 

[Limey46]

I have a '92 Trapdoor very similar to the one you describe, all original and complete in very good condition, formerly of the Pennsylvania National Guard. I paid $1025 for it three years ago, was happy about it then and still am today.

 

[StrawHat]

Another site to look over, no prices but lots of information.

http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/

 

[Cosmoline]

It's so hard to tell without pics. It comes down to original condition. If it's got good original blue and a good bore that is a good price. If it has a grey patina and a lot of scrubbed-off rust patches then it would be more like $600-$700. There are FAR more of the latter category than the former after this much time.

 

[.455_Hunter]

Well, I went back again...

A few questions:

Would it be correct for the gun to have an Model 1884 breechblock?

Would it be correct for the square stud holding the cam lock thumbpiece to be slightly "bronze" off color compared to the rest of the steel components.

The firing pin has a slightly rough tip, and is also has the "bronze color". Is that a correct pin for the era?

The bore is amazing, and most of the "wear" appears to be handling dings and dried grease.The gun was definitely issued, as rack number "366" is stamped on the butt plate next to the "US".

Thanks!