Serial Number Check - Trapdoor Please

[Bergerboy]

Hi Folks,

Looking for any and all historical info on serial #71657 I recently picked up at a LGS.
Its an 1873 model full-length Trapdoor in pretty nice overall condition.
I've shot about 10 rounds through her so far, and it operates as if it was new (as if I knew!).
What I have been able to research is that it was made somewhere late in the July to Sept 1876 timeframe.

The only strange thing is that I can not detect any stock cartouche, no matter how hard or close I look.
It doesn't appear to be a recently changed stock, and the typical cartouche area doesn't look like it was sanded or repaired that might have obliterated the cartouche stamping.
So, its a bit of a mystery to me.

Any help would be appreciated.

Pictures available if needed.

[Dick Hosmer]

Please post pictures. I have not found any reference to the number, but perhaps the pictures will suggest something.

[Bergerboy]

Thanks Dick.
Here's some quick photos of the Trapdoor taken today. (Had to wait for the snow to melt off the deck finally!)
Let me know your thoughts.

DSCN0490.jpgDSCN0473.jpgDSCN0474.jpgDSCN0475.jpgDSCN0476.jpg

[Bergerboy]

DSCN0476.jpgDSCN0478.jpgDSCN0479.jpgDSCN0480.jpgDSCN0481.jpg

[Bergerboy]

Batch #3 of 3DSCN0482.jpgDSCN0486.jpgDSCN0487.jpgDSCN0488.jpgDSCN0489.jpg

[Bergerboy]

OK - 1 more, because I think the Hammer cross-hatching is soooo sexy!DSCN0491.jpg

[raymeketa]

That serial number is right on the border line when a lot of parts were being changed and improved. That could account for the stock having no cartouche if it was a field replacement. Of course, the down side is that it could be a rebuilt or refinished parts gun.

But, Mr Hosmer is the expert and he can give you the straight scoop. Trust him, not me.

Ray

[Bergerboy]

Thanks Ray,
Yeah - my cursory research placed it right toward the end of the July-Sept 1876 build range, which ended with #71673 - less than twenty rifles after mine.
She's a beauty, in my opinion, and fires really well for a 140 year old girl.
I especially like the "active" ejection mechanism of the empty shell.
Reminds me of the lively "ping" of my M1 Garand when I've shot my eighth round.

[ebeeby]

Nice rifle! I think that it would have been issued with a long wrist stock so I agree the stock is a replacement.

But Dick will soon have an expert assessment...

[Bergerboy]

Bumping up to the top, for Mr. Hosmer's consideration.