Originally Posted by
Dick Hosmer
I think that applies to the government in general. Original crates of Model 1884 .45-70 rifles were still turning up in the 1940's. A great number of that particular model were apparently put aside when the "improved" version with ramrod bayonet came out in 1890. The new guns were used by State and miliitia troops in Cuba and the Philippines, while the last of the "obsolete" style, not yet fed into the supply chain, survived. Show me a "mint" TD today, and the odds are VERY high that it will be in the 460-475K range, cartouched [SWP/1889].