general question

[p246]

I'm slowly building my collection of infantry rifles and a 1873 rifles is on my short list. A friend found two rifles in his opinion as good and very good. Correct stocks, cartouches good bore. He bought 600 dollar gun and is bringing in 700 dollar firm gun for me to look at. I know without pics its speculation but 700 in today's market seems top dollar for a rifle. This one is an 1887 version with cleaning rod. Any feedback on where a very good correct rifle price is these days. Checked gunbroker but there is mainly way overpriced stuff listed.

[Dan Shapiro]

Check here and see pics / prices:

http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/springfieldarms.html

[p246]

Thanks Dan I'll look it over

[p246]

From that page 700 would be acceptable if as descriced. We will see how this unfolds

[ebeeby]

$700 is wholesale for "very good"

[p246]

I bought it for 700.00 1890 early serial number with 1889 cartouche on stock. Bore pristine, stock very good. metal except for buttplate very good to good. Buttplate on one area has pitting from rust. Ill try and post pics this weekend and you all can take me to school if I overpaid.

[dave]

Remember, condition on these should be NRA Antique, not the regular grading system for newer/modern guns.

[p246]

Dave I have been messing with WWII stuff up to, modern stuff. Got interested in trapdoors in last year or so. Read a book or two and read a lot here. I know consider myself to know just enough to be dangerous. So as my first actual purchase there is always that nagging doubt. I was able to show it finally to a local collector. He agreed with my assement but said metal was very good. He believes due to such a pristine bore it was unissued and few marks on stock are from owners after it was surplused out. He valued it at 800 to 900.00. The old gentleman I bought it from has owned it since early 70s and it was a safe queen. I'll post pics this weekend.

[Dan Shapiro]

Sounds like ya done good! Can't wait to see the pics!

[p246]

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af257/p246/IMG_20130510_175754.jpg (http://s1013.photobucket.com/user/p246/media/IMG_20130510_175754.jpg.html)

Here is overall pic

[p246]

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af257/p246/IMG_20130510_175817.jpg (http://s1013.photobucket.com/user/p246/media/IMG_20130510_175817.jpg.html)

Lock little brown stain behind hammer bothers me a little.

[p246]

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af257/p246/IMG_20130510_175845.jpg (http://s1013.photobucket.com/user/p246/media/IMG_20130510_175845.jpg.html)

[p246]

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af257/p246/IMG_20130510_175919.jpg

Not sure how good details of cartouche show in this one let me know if you need better pic

[p246]

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af257/p246/IMG_20130510_180009.jpg (http://s1013.photobucket.com/user/p246/media/IMG_20130510_180009.jpg.html)

[p246]

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af257/p246/IMG_20130510_180118.jpg (http://s1013.photobucket.com/user/p246/media/IMG_20130510_180118.jpg.html)

[p246]

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af257/p246/IMG_20130510_180158.jpg (http://s1013.photobucket.com/user/p246/media/IMG_20130510_180158.jpg.html)

[p246]

These were taken with my tablet. If they dont work let me know and I will get the digital out. Also if you want pic of something else let me know.
Thanks much.

[p246]

Serial number does not show up very well but I found two sources that list it as early 1890. Stock cartouche reads 1889, but it is my understanding this is normal or can be

[Dick Hosmer]

Yes, a number higher than expected for the annual date is explained by the fact that they kept (pre-numbered of course) receiver production around a month or two ahead, and drew parts at random. A number lower than expected for the date needs to be considered much more closely.

[p246]

Thanks Dick l noted the muzzle tip bluing is scuffed up and lighter than rest of bluing. The only thing I can think of is a bayonet being fitted alot.