Lots south of the border, but I don't see too many Springfield Trapdoors on this side of the 49th parallel. I have a strange desire to try to seek one out. Realizing there are a range of models available...and condition is everything, what is the price range for these here in Canada? Let's use the Model 1888 rod bayonet model. I'd be interested in leads to examples as well, as I wander down this path. Thanks.
Springfield Trapdoors in Canada
- Thread starter RangeRover
- Start date
I acquired a very nice one (Model 1888) in about 85% condition from an auction in the US about 10 years ago. Because it is classified as an antique on both sides of the border, it makes importing one easier, but there is the difference in the dollar to consider.
Expect minimum of $1000. About 4 years ago I bought a Martini Henry, Snider and a 1884 Trapdoor in a package deal. I have been offered $1200 for the trapdoor. I enjoy shooting it too much to sell it. Was a private sale through a friend. They don’t come up for sale very often. In the last 3 years I heard about 2 for sale but they sold before I inquired about them. Replica I can find easily but original Trapdoors don’t take long to sell if the price is normal.
BlackPowderBurner
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- the chesterfield
They’re not impossible to find. I’m seen them at the MB, eastern SK and western ON shows in ones and twos. I never saw any in NS though. Keep an eye out at your regional shows and I’m sure you’ll find one. $1000 is also in my experience the minimum for a good example. You can find messed with shooters for less.
fingers284
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Alberta Cowboy Ranges
I'm sure the prices already offered up are accurate for a full wood unmessed with item but lots of trapdoors around that have been "sporterized" that are very good shooters for about 1/2 what a complete original would bring.
just a quick observation ; a Buffington rear sight in my opinion is highly desirable but most that I have seen have been loose in terms of side to side movement. the offending screw is held in by a tiny C clip which makes it difficult to impossible to repair
cheers mooncoon
cheers mooncoon
I have been collecting trapdoor Springfields since 1978 and it is true there are not a lot of them in Canada. Though occasionally they show up at shows.
In recent years the prices have been all over the board with no rhyme or reason. The single most important factor in considering a T/D is...or course, condition and the end use of the gun.
If you looking to have one to plink occasionally then the most important thing is the bore condition. If you are considering collecting them then there is a whole lot more to learn about them before putting the money on the table.
With that in mind certain variants of the T/D command higher prices. A generic infantry rifle, model 1884, in 80% condition is a 900 to 1100. Same gun in 98% condition, yes they do exist, is going to be 1500 to 1800.
The infantry rifle in a 1873/1978 variant in 80% should garner 1000 to 1200, a 98% will run 1600 to 1900. A first variant 1873 in 80% is a 1200 to 1400 gun, in 98% is gonna be 1800 to 2000...the 1877 variant will come close to this one in value.
The 1888 Rod Bayonet in 80% should be no more then 1400, yet a 98% could approach 2000 easily. When you enter the realm of sub-variants all bets are off as some will double and even triple the numbers mentioned. Not to forget the ultra rare stuff... 1875 officer's model, positive cam rifle, the 30 cal. rifles, the Marksman's rifle, the Long range rifle most in the 5 digit range, Then there is 1881 shotgun, the unaltered Metcalf, the 1880 and 1884 rod bayonet guns which crop up once in a while.
To sum it up...prepare to spend in the range of 1000 to 1600. BUT...do your research to learn what you can about them before laying down the money. BTW...enjoy them, they are truly a fun gun to shoot!!!!!
In recent years the prices have been all over the board with no rhyme or reason. The single most important factor in considering a T/D is...or course, condition and the end use of the gun.
If you looking to have one to plink occasionally then the most important thing is the bore condition. If you are considering collecting them then there is a whole lot more to learn about them before putting the money on the table.
With that in mind certain variants of the T/D command higher prices. A generic infantry rifle, model 1884, in 80% condition is a 900 to 1100. Same gun in 98% condition, yes they do exist, is going to be 1500 to 1800.
The infantry rifle in a 1873/1978 variant in 80% should garner 1000 to 1200, a 98% will run 1600 to 1900. A first variant 1873 in 80% is a 1200 to 1400 gun, in 98% is gonna be 1800 to 2000...the 1877 variant will come close to this one in value.
The 1888 Rod Bayonet in 80% should be no more then 1400, yet a 98% could approach 2000 easily. When you enter the realm of sub-variants all bets are off as some will double and even triple the numbers mentioned. Not to forget the ultra rare stuff... 1875 officer's model, positive cam rifle, the 30 cal. rifles, the Marksman's rifle, the Long range rifle most in the 5 digit range, Then there is 1881 shotgun, the unaltered Metcalf, the 1880 and 1884 rod bayonet guns which crop up once in a while.
To sum it up...prepare to spend in the range of 1000 to 1600. BUT...do your research to learn what you can about them before laying down the money. BTW...enjoy them, they are truly a fun gun to shoot!!!!!
Thanks for reminding me, I almost forgot I had one of these kicking around. I got one from the States many years ago when it was not a big deal getting them across the border and they were much more reasonably priced. As I recall it was a package deal with Model 3 Schofield revolver( the pic below shows a Colt model 1873 Bisley). Both shot great and were in great condition. The fellow that previously owned them regularly used them in cowboy shoots. I really need to load up some rounds and exercise her this year.
Thanks Alonzo for the very informative reply, and to the others who have replied as well. Should I be fortunate enough to track one down I will be seeking advice on loading for them...as I am interested in range use - so a rough-ish rifle with a good bore will be good enough for me.
fingers284
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Alberta Cowboy Ranges
"Good bore" might be the hardest part of the equation to solve, remember these things were last made in late 1880's and every round they fired was BP. So some sort of dark bore or pitting is very common and the norm more than a shiny example...truth be told anything that is shiny has probably multiple pass's of a cleaning rod with a grinding/polishing compound added to it....but to hearten you, don't eliminate a specimen just because it has a dark or pitted bore...some of these harsh old bores still shoot 2" or so with cast slugs.
I’ve been looking for an 1866, 1868 or 1870 Trapdoor in 50-70 for a few years now to complete my 50-70 Sharps and 1865 Spencer grouping. If anyone knows of any on this side of the border please let me know! That or an earlier 1873 pattern rifle.
Also I bought Al Frasca’s collector books last year. If anyone would like me to check something in it for them please let me know! The books are very detailed and are a great resource.
Also I bought Al Frasca’s collector books last year. If anyone would like me to check something in it for them please let me know! The books are very detailed and are a great resource.
Another great book to have is the Ernst and Waite book titled "Trapdoor Springfield". It has a quarterly breakdown of production and serial numbers at end of Quarter.
Also, the four issues of "Serial Numbers of U.S. Martial Arms" published by the long gone Springfield Research Service. From what I have heard they are online though.
In 43 years of active trapdoor collecting I have only had in my hands to examine two guns that were listed in the databases, never had one in the collection. One of the rifles was No. 32 of the M1903 Rod Bayonet Rifle, as issued and awarded to the Governor of Wyoming in 1904. The other was a M1888 Trapdoor issued to a New York Volunteer infantry regiment, marked with maltese cross.
When it come to trapdoors, there is no such thing a too many books on the subject.
BTW...a true 1870 model will be a tough bird to find!!! I had one years ago that was quite rough, though a true 1870. Some of the later 1868 models were breechblock marked 1870, so be careful there. Still have my 1866 and the 1865 first Allin's Conversion.
Also, the four issues of "Serial Numbers of U.S. Martial Arms" published by the long gone Springfield Research Service. From what I have heard they are online though.
In 43 years of active trapdoor collecting I have only had in my hands to examine two guns that were listed in the databases, never had one in the collection. One of the rifles was No. 32 of the M1903 Rod Bayonet Rifle, as issued and awarded to the Governor of Wyoming in 1904. The other was a M1888 Trapdoor issued to a New York Volunteer infantry regiment, marked with maltese cross.
When it come to trapdoors, there is no such thing a too many books on the subject.
BTW...a true 1870 model will be a tough bird to find!!! I had one years ago that was quite rough, though a true 1870. Some of the later 1868 models were breechblock marked 1870, so be careful there. Still have my 1866 and the 1865 first Allin's Conversion.
Very cool! I’m eyeing a few earlier 1866 Allin conversions down south, but am not sure if I’m ready to go the import route just yet. I was emailing Al Frasca a while back about buying from him but he mentioned he was hesitant to ship international these days.
Have any pictures of your Allins?
I feel your pain on importing, especially now. There are importers who do all the work for you though I am not familiar with their process and costs.
Some of my stuff came from the south long before the idiocy took hold.
Yes I have photos of the me all. Hmmm, What I can do is put them on my website, under a specific page. Been wanting to do that and now is a great time.
Will try to put them in fairly soon.
Here is the link to the website.
https://sites.google.com/view/ghost-squadron-military-museum/home
Some of my stuff came from the south long before the idiocy took hold.
Yes I have photos of the me all. Hmmm, What I can do is put them on my website, under a specific page. Been wanting to do that and now is a great time.
Will try to put them in fairly soon.
Here is the link to the website.
https://sites.google.com/view/ghost-squadron-military-museum/home
I have used this firm a couple of times to import antiques, reproductions even a set of conversion cylinders for my percussion revolvers.
https://www.borderview.com/pricing/pricing-for-canada/
Retreever
https://www.borderview.com/pricing/pricing-for-canada/
Retreever
You should read The Trap-Door Springfield in The Service by Col. Philip M. Shockley (1958). You might change your mind. He apparently speaks from long experience ...and he really doesn't like this rifle.
"(The Trap-Door Springfield) is a monument to the fixed idiocy of the War Department. No titles of esteem or affection were ever bestowed upon it."
- Col. Shockley
"(The Trap-Door Springfield) is a monument to the fixed idiocy of the War Department. No titles of esteem or affection were ever bestowed upon it."
- Col. Shockley
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